Green Party calls for free bus travel in England for under-22s

The Greens are calling for people under the age of 22 to have free bus travel in England.

Party leader Zack Polanski said such a proposal could help young people shut out of work and training because of the cost of living. Those aged five to 22 have had free bus travel in Scotland since 2022, with Mr Polanski arguing the scheme should be expanded to England.

The Green Party said the universal bus pass for young people would be self-financing because it would boost the economy. "Young people are increasingly shut out of employment and training by the cost of living crisis, which often hits the youngest the hardest," Mr Polanski said.

"This Labour government has made a dire situation for young people even worse with the poorest getting even poorer and rich getting even richer. "Free bus travel for the young is one part of improving the lives of younger people and showing what a richer and greener country looks like if we invest in people and not hand over our assets to the super-rich and corporations." Under-18s can already travel for free on buses in London and there are other discounts available for some up to age 25.

Other bus companies across England also offer travel discounts for young people. Mr Polanski said Green Party councillors would push for the universal bus scheme in their areas if elected in May's local elections.

Read more from Sky News:'Violent disorder' at Iran's London embassyNumber of councils delaying local elections revealed "Green councillors elected in May will be using their influence to implement this scheme in their areas and we will be applying political pressure at a national level for a scheme recommended by the transport select committee last year to be made real," he said. "Free bus travel for the young is part of our mission to make hope normal again." The Green Party said research by KPMG estimated that 2.2 million commuters rely on buses to get to work and generate £72bn in collective income each year..