More than 20,000 young people in Renfrewshire are now benefitting from free bus travel, new figures reveal.

The Scottish Government data shows that over 2.2million journeys have taken place in the area using the entitlement card since its launch in January last year.

Renfrewshire's uptake of 70.9% of eligible young people places it higher than the national average of 68.3%, with the council area ranking eighth highest out of Scotland's 32 local authorities.

Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP Gavin Newlands said he was "delighted" with the latest figures.

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He told The Gazette: "With over 2.2 million journeys by Renfrewshire's young people since the scheme’s launch, and over 20,000 card holders, this is a programme that covers every community in the country, and helping with every bus journey taken.

"That comes out at an estimated £6.27 million saved by young people across Renfrewshire since January last year, real help in the pocket for families and households caught in the middle of the Tories' cost of living crisis – and in particular a game-changer for young people who are forced to live in poverty.

"With that in mind, while I’m delighted over 70% of eligible under 22s have got their pass, that still leaves just under 30% who could be getting the benefits of free bus travel.

"I'd urge anyone who hasn't yet applied for their pass to visit freebus.scot to get their application up and running."