Young people aged 5-21 can benefit from free bus travel on registered bus services across Scotland using the National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot branded NEC.
Watch a video about the young persons' free bus travel scheme
How to apply for free bus travel
Applications are accepted online at getyournec.scot and through East Ayrshire primary and secondary schools.
If you apply for a card via getyournec.scot you will be able to log in and self serve for the following:
- check the status of an application (submitted/accepted or rejected)
- raise queries/issues with Helpdesk regarding your application
Please do not contact the Council about new applications made via getyournec.scot or related queries as staff are unable to access the data held online.
Children under 16 years old will need their parent/guardian to apply on their behalf and provide approval for free bus travel to be enabled on the child's card.
Young people who are currently aged 16 or over and already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC can add free bus travel to their existing cards using the Transport Scotland Pass Collect app. Instructions on how to download and use the app are available at Transport Scotland: Pass Collect app.
Children under 5 years old can already travel on commercial bus services across Scotland for free. They will not need to apply for a card.
Types of cards and approval required
| Age | Which NEC? | Approval required |
|---|
| 0 to 4 years |
No card needed to travel for free by bus |
Not applicable |
| 5 to 10 years |
NEC |
Parent/guardian to apply |
| 11 to 15 years |
NEC or Young Scot NEC |
Parent/guardian to apply |
| 16 to 21 years |
NEC or Young Scot NEC |
Apply by themselves |
More information about the scheme and how to apply can be found at freebus.scot
If you are unable to use Getyournec online or do not attend an East Ayrshire school, then you can use the online contact form for a general enquiry regarding a young person's card and access the following services:
- make a first time application
- renew or replace a card
- update your photo and address
- add free bus travel
Apply online for the above NEC services