YOUNG people in Clacks are set to benefit from free bus travel until the age of 22 from next year.

Last month, the Scottish Government announced the move which will come into effect from January 31, 2022.

The move will ensure school pupils and young employees are able to study and work without worrying about the cost.

Though a welcome change, Dave Crozier, project leader of Connect Alloa, a youth group aimed at reducing social isolation, said the scheme had been needed for some time.

He told the Advertiser: "It's a shame a scheme like this wasn't implemented before now as I know of many people who would have hugely benefited from the saving in expense for travel over the years.

"Now that this opportunity will be available, though, I think it's something to celebrate and I know for sure that we will have young people, students and volunteers who will make great use of this over the coming years.

"It means they can focus on why they are travelling and not how much they will have to budget for the journey."

The plans were originally meant to be free bus travel for under-19s, but a budget deal reached in March allowed the Scottish Government to extend the scheme to under-22s.

A group of Clacks youngsters also spoke to the Advertiser about their views on free bus travel.

One youngster, Maryk, spoke about how it will open more doors for young people in Clackmannanshire.

He said: "It's a brilliant idea for youth to have a some freedom and this is this a great way to supporting that"

Others are happy to see a way round a barrier of getting to school and work.

Tony, another young Clacks resident who will benefit from the scheme, continued: "I think the free bus for young people is an amazing initiative and will help many young people to be able to get to jobs and schools without the potential issue of the cost associated."

While access to education remained a major benefit of the scheme, others said it would help young people save more money for other necessities.

Wyatt, another young person who will be benefiting from free bus travel, added: "I think that bus passes are good for students and young people to save money for other necessary things, I don't know why they didn't have this long ago to help more people."

Some young people also echoed other sentiments, asking why this initiative was not introduced before now.

Lisa, who is over 22, said: "Being over the age this is accessible for, now, it doesn't affect me directly but I do think it should have been done a lot sooner than now."

Another youngster Courtney added: "My opinion is that they should have done it years ago to help people who are now not eligible to get free travel."

For more information on the announcement, visit www.transport.gov.scot/news/free-bus-travel-for-under-22s