Edinburgh councillors back free bus travel for families travelling to Sick Kids hospital

Lothian Buses will be asked to explore providing free bus travel for family and carers of patients at the new Sick Kids.

Councillors signed off on the proposal at Thursday’s full council meeting, with each political group backing it.

Along with asking Lothian to explore the idea, the council leader will also write to the Scottish Government asking if it can provide free or reduced funding for public transport for parents or carers.

In addition, the matter will be referred to the next meeting of the Lothian Shareholder Forum, set to take place early next month.

Lothian Buses is owned by a group of councils, with Edinburgh being the largest shareholder by far.

East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian own the remainder of it.

The SNP put forward the original motion calling for free bus travel for family and carers of Sick Kids residents.

The motion stated that having a child in hospital can come with significant financial burden, including the cost of public transport.

It added that, though the Scottish Government covers some travel for those visiting young people in hospital, it requires that payment be made up front.

Therefore, it stated the policy could place burdens on some families who might not have the cash on hand available to travel in the first place.

SNP councillor Euan Hyslop said: “When a child is seriously ill, families are already dealing with enormous emotional strain.

“The last thing they should be worrying about is how they’re going to afford repeated journeys to and from hospital.

“This motion is about using the influence we already have, as shareholders in Lothian Buses, to explore a simple, compassionate solution that cuts stress and financial pressure for parents and carers at the time they need support most.”