Scottish Government should keep freedom to travel promise

August 19, 2024

Reacting to reports that the Scottish Government has reversed its plans to pilot extending concessionary bus travel to people in the asylum system, Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: “We all need the freedom to travel to where we need to go. Transport gives us access to the services, support, and social connections that we all need for a better life.

“But people in the asylum system in Scotland are too-often barred from getting access to public transport. They get so little financial support, they simply can’t afford the fares. In a society that believes in justice and compassion, that’s simply wrong.

“As part of our Rights in Action project, we worked with community researchers from the Maryhill Integration Network to expose how the asylum process badly impacts the mental health of people in Glasgow. Transport was one of the major causes.

“That’s why we supported MIN’s campaign to extend concessionary travel to people in the asylum system, and why we were delighted when the Scottish Government committed to making it a reality.

“We urge the First Minister to make good on that promise.”