FREE bus travel for youngsters in West Dunbartonshire has been hailed as a “game changer”.

It comes after new figures show that since the scheme was launched 18 months ago 11,795 young people have received their free bus passes.

This is 71.05 per cent of all eligible young people in the area.

Currently, Scotland is the only country in the UK to offer free bus travel to youngsters under 22.

Praising the scheme, Ross Greer MSP said: “Free bus travel has been a game changer for young people and their families in West Dunbartonshire.

“We are in a cost crisis and this scheme is helping household budgets while helping us reach our climate targets and tackle local air pollution problems.

“I’m really proud of how popular the pass has been.

“It is one of the most important changes that our parliament has introduced since devolution and is giving young people more opportunities to explore our country.

“It’s great that so many young people in West Dunbartonshire are already benefiting from this Green policy, but I want everyone to have that chance.”

Greer continued to say: “I would encourage all of those who don’t yet have their pass to visit freebus.scot and register today.”