Scottish Rural Action believes the cost of travel is a barrier for some youths

Youngsters living in rural areas are being quizzed on public transport.

Not-for-profit group Scottish Rural Action is reaching out to young Scots to find out how the cost of travel affects them in their work, studies and personal lives.

The group believes that travel affects young people differently in rural areas where public transport is often irregular, unreliable and expensive, compared to urban areas where people can often choose between different forms of public transport for the same journey.

Emma Cooper, chief executive of Scottish Rural Action said "Education is a right, and young people from rural areas are saying that the cost of transport is one of the barriers they face.

"Many rural young people cannot drive or afford to own a car, and have to travel long distances, on multiple buses, to reach college or university. The cost of this can be significant. To ensure young people can live in rural communities, and access the training and education they need, we have to ensure they have an equitable access to public transport services – and that means removing or reducing the cost barrier.”

The information will be used to respond to a Scottish Government consultation on the potential for free bus passes for modern apprentices aged 21 or under. An online survey is open now.