To as the Scottish Government how much the individual bus fare concessionary schemes have cost in 2024. (S6O-03995)

Presiding Officer, with your permission, I would like to correct my earlier response to Colin Smyth. It is the bus operators in the south-west that are funded by the network support grant. SWestrans funding is dealt with separately and will be addressed in the budget.

To answer Edward Mountain’s question, the total cost of the national concessionary travel schemes for the period 1 January 2024 to 13 October 2024 equated to £154.6 million for the older and disabled persons scheme, and £140.1 million for the young persons free bus travel scheme. It should be noted that costs incurred beyond 13 October 2024 are not yet finalised and, as such, have not been included.

Last year, £165 million was spent on giving under-22-year-olds unlimited bus travel. No such scheme is available to islanders who are under 22. They are allowed just two trips, and they use their ferries like we use our buses. Will the Government introduce a scheme for islanders who are under 22, so that they have parity with those on the mainland?

Mr Mountain is talking about the ferry concession. The islands connectivity plan will address that issue.

One of the less obvious groups that benefit from free bus travel in Scotland is disabled folk. Where they need support, free travel is also available for their companion or carer. How many disabled people and their companions or carers have enjoyed free bus travel in the past year, thanks to the Scottish National Party Government?

I very much welcome the opportunity to—[ Interruption .] Pardon?

Continue, minister.

I very much welcome the opportunity to highlight how the SNP Government’s investment in concessionary travel is benefiting people who otherwise might not be able to afford to get around their community and Scotland.

In the 12 months to 31 October 2024, 24,068,991 journeys were made by people who have a national entitlement card because of disability or sight impairment, which also permits a companion to travel for free; that figure includes companions who accompanied the cardholder. A further 7,112,004 journeys were made by people with a card that provides the individual with free bus travel. As of 1 November 2024, 129,324 disabled or sight-impaired cardholders can have a companion travel with them for free, and a further 40,866 cardholders have access to free bus travel.