Young Persons' Free Travel Scheme
Find out about the Young Persons' Free Travel scheme and how to apply.
Nearly a million 5 to 21 year olds living in Scotland are eligible to benefit from free bus travel. The scheme embeds sustainable travel behaviours from a young age, opens doors to new opportunities, and should help to meet our target of net zero emissions by 2045.
Children and young people who are 5 to 21 years old need a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) to travel for free by bus. Parents or guardians of 5 to 15 year olds must apply on their behalf.
Children under 5 years old already travel for free on commercial bus services and do no need a card, however you can apply two weeks before your child is due to turn 5 for their card.
Read the latest news on Free bus travel for under 22s. Further information on the legislation can also be found on the Transport Scotland website.
Who is eligible?
If you are 5 to 21 years old and live in Scotland then you are eligible for free bus travel, no matter your nationality.
| Age | Which NEC? | Approval required? |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 year olds | No card needed to travel for free by bus | N/A |
| 5 to 10 year olds | NEC | Parent/guardian to apply |
| 11 to 15 year olds | NEC, or Young Scot NEC | Parent/guardian to apply |
| 16 to 21 year olds | NEC, or Young Scot NEC | Apply by themselves |
| Existing Cardholders aged 11 to 15 | NEC, or Young Scot NEC | Parent/guardian to apply |
| Existing Cardholders aged 16 to 21 | NEC, or Young Scot NEC | NEC, or Young Scot NEC |
How to apply?
If you live in East Renfrewshire and your child is between 5 and 10 years old you can apply via Parentsportal.
If your child is 11 to 15 you can apply via the getyournec.scot website
Existing National Entitlement Cardholders 11 to 15, parents/guardians will be required to apply and can do this via the getyournec.scot website
New and existing cardholders aged 16 to 21 can apply themselves via the getyournec.scot website
You can also apply in person at our Barrhead Service Centre, 211 Main Street, Barrhead, G78 1SY
If you have any difficulties completing your application online, either via Parentsportal or getyournec.scot please contact us by e-mail at NEC@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or call us on 0141 577 3001.
Video guides
The following videos offer useful information to help you understand the application process.
Rules & regulations
You're the only person allowed to use your NEC. It's not transferable. Allowing someone else to use it is fraud. This may lead to the card being cancelled and your entitlement.
