Scottish Greens welcome Government U-turn on free bus travel for people seeking asylum

09 Oct 2024
Transport

Free bus travel is a small but significant step towards supporting marginalised communities across Scotland.

The Scottish Greens have welcomed Government support for their motion to restore the commitment for free bus travel for people seeking asylum in Scotland.

The policy was originally secured by Scottish Greens in October 2023 as part of the Bute House Agreement which brought the party into government, but was dropped by the Scottish Government in August 2024.

Many people seeking asylum are living in state-sanctioned poverty. Free bus travel provisions would give them greater safety and security and mean they no longer have to choose between safe transportation or a weekly shop.

Scottish Greens transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said:

“We welcome the Scottish Government’s U-turn to reinstate free bus travel for people seeking asylum across our country. The policy should never have been dropped in the first place, and we were deeply disappointed when it was.

“There must be more than just words from the Government on this issue, and a plan of action must follow to lay out the schedule before the end of the current parliamentary session, as well as ensuring the funding is allocated and guaranteed.

“People within the asylum system face huge financial restrictions and many are banned from working whilst waiting for the Home Office to make a decision on their application for protection.

“Making journeys to appointments, to see family or to explore our country is something many of us take for granted, but for those seeking protection it often becomes a much more complex choice. 

“This is a small but significant change that will improve the lives of some of the most marginalized communities in Scotland, and we will work with refugee charities and the government to ensure that what is agreed upon is delivered.”