FREE bus travel for youngsters in West Dunbartonshire has been praised by a local politician.

Ross Greer MSP said the scheme has opened up the "community" and "country" for those under 22.

Since it launched in January 2022, in total 12,363 young people in the local authority have taken 1,465,169 free journeys.

While 80.3% of all those eligible for the pass have claimed it.

Ross Greer, West Dunbartonshire’s Scottish Green MSP, said: “I am delighted that so many young people in West Dunbartonshire now have their free bus pass.

"This scheme is opening up our community and our country while helping families through the cost of living crisis and protecting the climate by reducing the number of cars on the road.

“It’s fantastic that eight in 10 young people in West Dunbartonshire are taking full advantage of the scheme.

"Those who haven’t signed up yet should head to freebus.scot to get their card. Every free bus journey is money in people’s pockets.

"There will be families in West Dunbartonshire who have already saved hundreds of pounds.

“Public transport is for all of us. It should not cost the earth."