SESSIONS are being held in Lockerbie to get more young people signed up for free bus passes.
Lockerbie Library has a dedicated space every Thursday from 2 pm till 4 pm to help young people apply for the scheme.
To book an appointment, call 01576 203380.
It comes after an ‘extremely low’ uptake for the young person’s bus pass scheme after applicants were faced with a confusing application process.
Out of 25,100 eligible young people in Dumfries and Galloway, only 1973 applications had been approved and dispatched by the close of business on February 14.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has accused the government of a half-hearted rollout and is urging all eligible young people to sign up to the scheme.
He said: “The roll-out of the free bus pass should have been a good news story for young people but it has been beset with problems, from mixed messages on public health to a complicated application process.
“These figures show that across the south of Scotland, very few young people have received a card, it’s time for the Scottish Government to work with schools to maximise uptake.
“The new pass can help young people connect with the communities around them and access education, training or work.”
