Free bus travel for the under-19s is one stop closer after Scotland's transport secretary formally lodged the plans at Holyrood.

If it is approved by MSPs, the move will allow an estimated 770,000 young people to ride Scotland’s buses free of charge.

The Scottish Green party tabled the proposal last year as part of negotiations to secure their support for the SNP Government’s annual budget at parliament.

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: "Free bus travel for under-19s will be transformational, benefiting young people and their families, and I’m proud that it has come as a direct result of the Scottish Greens’ constructive approach.

"This policy will tackle inequality and the climate emergency. After the pandemic, concessionary travel will play a more important role than ever in the new normal so we are already pushing for the scheme to be widened further, with the aim of free public transport for all."

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said young people have been disproportionately hit by the coronavirus restrictions.

“Not only is this good news for young people, it’s good news for bus operators," he said.

"They will see increased patronage from future generations, who will be able to freely discover the convenience of sustainable bus travel in accessing education, employment and for leisure."

Once approved, the policy will come into effect some time after April 6 – the start of the new financial year.

The legislation will also extend the National Concessionary Travel Scheme to eligible disabled children under the age of five, allowing free travel for a companion accompanying them.