Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme for Under 22s

From 31 January, 5-21 year olds living in Scotland will be eligible for free bus travel across Scotland!

Children and young people aged 5−21 years old will need a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) before hopping on board. Previously issued cards will not allow access to the free bus travel scheme.

A parent or guardian must apply on behalf of those aged 5-15 and provide approval for them to travel free by bus.  Young people aged 16-21 can apply themselves.

To apply, visit getyournec.scot

  • If you’re applying online, you may find it useful, before starting the application process, to download or look out the documents as outlined on https://getyournec.scot/nec/apply for card that you will need
  • You can apply using a smartphone/tablet or a computer, depending on your preference
  • If you don't have scanned copies of your documents, you can take photos of your proofs during the application process using a smartphone/tablet

To assist with applications made through getyournec.scot, videos have been made which walk you through the online application process step-by-step:

If you are unable to apply online, applications can be made in person at any of the following libraries:

New Applications
Remember, if you are 5-15 years old, then your parent or guardian must apply on your behalf. This will make sure they are aware that you get to travel for free by bus, so that they can ensure you are safe and well. If you are 16 years old and over, you must apply yourself.

Library staff are required to check who you are.  Therefore, you will need to provide them with proof of person (your name and age), proof of residence (where you live), and a photograph if you are 11 years or over.  They will then forward your application to the NEC admin team who will check whether you are eligible for the free bus travel scheme.

Parents and guardians applying on behalf of someone else will need to provide proofs of person and address for both themselves and their child, as well as proof of the relationship.  The young person must be present as we need to be able to verify who the person making the application is, the child is, and know that they are authorised to act on behalf of that child.

Find out what documents you can use to provide proof on the NEC website

Existing Cardholders
If there are no changes to be made and it is only free travel to be added to an existing card, then those aged 16 and over should email nec@southlanarkshire.gov.uk to have free bus travel added to their card.

For under 16s, parental/guardian approval is required to add free bus travel.  If the young person already has a card on the system, then the parent/guardian can do this at the library without the young person being present.  However, if a photograph is to be added or updated on the card, then the young person should accompany their parent/guardian to the library.

Transport Scotland Pass Collect app (Young People aged 16-21)
The Transport Scotland Pass Collect app allows people aged 16-21 who already have a Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC) to download free bus travel onto their existing card.

This means you don't need to apply for a replacement card, unless you want to change your photograph or other details.

The Transport Scot Pass Collect app can be downloaded from Apple and Google:

More information on the app can be found on the Transport Scotland website:
Transport Scotland Pass Collect app

A video showing how to use the app is available:
How to use the Transport Scotland Collect app 

If you require any further information, please email nec@southlanarkshire.gov.uk