Pupils want free public transport for under-16s

Jun 26 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

TEENAGERS across Scotland could benefit from a campaign by a group of Hamilton schoolkids to obtain free public transport for under-16s.

Pupils in an S3 modern studies class at Holy Cross High have placed an e-petition with the Scottish Parliament, have sought advice from Hamilton MSP Michael McMahon, and hope a pressure group will further back their cause.

Pupils also organised a petition in the school, collecting 500 signatures.

Laura Gaspersz (14), who contacted the Advertiser by letter, reasoned: “Those under the age of 16 are not able to work and therefore have no income. This means that many young people cannot afford the cost of transport.

“We believe that if we can gain the approval of the Scottish Parliament it would encourage more people to use public transport and decrease the number of cars on the road, therefore improving the environment.”

Should the idea gain Scottish Parliament approval, it is proposed that the free travel should only apply at weekends and from 5pm onwards during the week, to minimise disruption.

Passes would also be revoked if anybody using them causes trouble on public transport.

Teacher Stephen McDowell said: “We were talking about politics and issues that affect them and the kids came up with this idea. Pensioners get free public transport, so why not them?

“They have buses to and from school, but off-peak and at weekends it’s difficult for them because they’re not earning.”

Hamilton North and Bellshill MSP Michael McMahon says the e-petition has a “100 per cent chance” of being put before the Scottish Parliament and hopes Parliament take it on board.

He said: “I will work with the kids to get it in front of the Scottish Parliament, raise the issue on an agenda and they will hopefully give it due consideration.”

You can back the campaign by signing online by July 11.