Scottish Greens propose 'millennial railcard' funded by frequent flyer levy

Party says 31-49 year olds are the only age group without a discounted rail card

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published24 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources2 outlets

The Scottish Greens have unveiled plans for a 'millennial railcard' offering one-third off train fares for people aged 31 to 49, paid for by a levy on frequent flyers. Co-leader Ross Greer announced the policy at the party's conference, arguing that the age group faces both high transport costs and financial pressures since the 2008 crash.

Ross Greer, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, said the 31-49 age group are 'the only people currently paying full price for their train tickets' under existing schemes. The proposed railcard would mirror concessions available to younger and older travellers.

To finance the measure, the Greens are advocating a Frequent Flyer Levy aimed at the wealthiest and most frequent air travellers. The party argues this would both reduce aviation emissions and generate revenue for public transport. According to the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), a tax on frequent flyers could raise around £50 million a year.

Greer told Green members at Eden Court: 'This weekend we are proposing a Frequent Flyer Levy for those who get the plane like the rest of us get the bus. Regular business flights within the UK are fuelling climate breakdown. They should be paying far more than families going on holiday once a year.'

The proposal includes an exemption for lifeline flights to Scotland's islands. The Greens highlighted their record on transport, citing their involvement in scrapping peak rail fares, introducing free bus travel for under-22s and capping bus fares at £2 in the Highlands.

The 'millennial railcard' would apply to people aged 31-49, a cohort Greer said has struggled since the 2008 financial crash with housing, starting families and securing graduate jobs.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Millennials are currently the only age group without a dedicated railcard; this proposal would tackle a perceived gap in discount schemes, potentially making rail travel more affordable for people in their 30s and 40s.
A frequent flyer levy could reduce aviation emissions by making frequent air travel more expensive, aligning with climate goals and funding greener public transport.
The proposal reinforces the Scottish Greens' influence on transport policy in Scotland and may shape political debate ahead of the next Holyrood elections.

Background

The Scottish Greens have a track record on transport, having played a key role in scrapping peak rail fares, rolling out free bus travel for under-22s and introducing a £2 bus cap in the Highlands. The party's latest proposal extends that agenda by targeting the affordability gap for those in their 30s and 40s and linking it to aviation emissions. The Greens are positioning themselves as a force for climate action and social equity, with this policy aimed at wealthier frequent flyers while supporting inland public transport.

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

How the Scottish Government and other political parties respond to the proposal, especially if the Greens enter coalition negotiations after the next election.
Reaction from the aviation industry and business groups to the proposed frequent flyer levy.
Whether similar policies, such as an age-based railcard or air travel levy, emerge in other parts of the UK.

Sources

Scottish Greens promise ‘millennial rail card’ paid for by wealthy flyers · The Scotsman
Greens promise ‘millennial rail card’ paid for by wealthy flyers · STV News

Checked

11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 8 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedThe Scottish Greens propose a “millennial railcard” funded by a frequent flyer levy.STV News: “The Scottish Greens have promised a new railcard for millennials paid for by wealthy flyers.”
SupportedThe 31–49 age group is the only age group without a discounted rail fare scheme.STV News: “Ross Greer, the party’s co-leader, said the 31-49 age group was the only one not to be offered a discounted rail fare scheme.”
Partly supportedGreer said, “Regular business flights within the UK are fuelling climate breakdown.”STV News: ““Regular business flights within the UK are literally fuelling climate breakdown.””
Not in the sourcesThe age group faces high transport costs.
Partly supportedGreer said the group has faced financial pressures since the 2008 crash.STV News: “Mr Greer said “a whole generation” of Scots came in adulthood since the financial crash in 2007/2008 have struggled with the basics of life.”
SupportedGreer announced the policy at the Scottish Greens’ conference.STV News: “Speaking during his keynote speech at the Scottish Green conference”
SupportedThe railcard would give people aged 31–49 one-third off train fares.STV News: “Green MSPs would use the money from taxing frequent flyers to deliver a millennial railcard, offering one third off train fares for people in their 30s and 40s.”
SupportedThe Greens say the levy would target the richest and most frequent flyers and help limit emissions while supporting public transport.STV News: “The party said the policy would target the richest and most frequent flyers and would help limit emissions while supporting Scots taking the bus or train.”
SupportedThe STUC says a tax on frequent flyers could raise around £50 million a year.STV News: “According to the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), a tax on frequent flyers could raise around £50m a year.”
SupportedThe proposal includes an exemption for lifeline flights to Scotland’s islands.STV News: “The Greens said their plans would include an exemption for lifeline flights to Scotland’s islands.”
SupportedThe Greens cite their role in scrapping peak rail fares, rolling out free bus travel for under-22s and introducing the £2 bus cap in the Highlands.STV News: “the party playing a key role in the scrapping peak rail fares, rolling out free bus travel to under 22s, and the £2 bus cap in the Highlands.”