In a bold move to address the cost-of-living crisis, the Green Party has proposed introducing free bus travel for all individuals under the age of 22 in England. This scheme, which would bring England in line with the policy already in place in Scotland, is seen as a crucial step in improving the lives of younger people who have been disproportionately affected by the current economic challenges.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has argued that this initiative is “one part of improving the lives of younger people” who have been shut out of employment and training opportunities due to the rising costs of living. He has criticised the current Labour government, stating that their policies have “made a dire situation for young people even worse, with the poorest getting even poorer and the rich getting even richer.”
The proposed scheme would be self-financing, according to the Green Party, as they believe that increased bus usage would boost the economy. Polanski has emphasised that this policy is part of the party’s mission to “make hope normal again” and create a “richer and greener country” that invests in its people rather than handing over assets to the “super-rich and corporations.”
The move would align England with Scotland, where young people aged 5 to 22 have been entitled to free bus travel since 2022. While some areas in England, such as London, already offer free or discounted bus travel for young people, the Green Party’s proposal aims to create a universal scheme across the country.
Polanski has stated that Green Party councillors, if elected in the upcoming local elections in May, will use their influence to implement this scheme in their respective areas. Additionally, the party will apply political pressure at the national level to make the recommendation of the transport select committee from last year a reality.
The Green Party’s proposal has been met with cautious optimism, with supporters arguing that it could significantly improve the lives of young people and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable transportation system. However, critics have raised concerns about the feasibility and potential costs of such a scheme, particularly in the current economic climate.
As the debate continues, the Green Party’s bold move has undoubtedly sparked a conversation about the role of public transportation in addressing social and economic inequalities, and the importance of investing in the well-being of younger generations.
