This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Start of free local off-peak bus travel
30/09/2002
From today, all elderly and disabled concessionary card
holders will be entitled to free local bus travel within
existing concessionary boundaries, after 9.30am Monday to
Friday and all day at weekends.
Iain Gray, Minister for Transport, Enterprise and
Lifelong Learning said that no matter where people live in
Scotland, elderly and disabled people from today will
benefit from a minimum of free off peak local bus
travel.
Ministers have pledged £25 million over the first six
months to build enhancements to existing local schemes
which serve the everyday needs of the majority of
people.
Mr Gray said:
"The Executive is committed to improving access to
public transport. I am delighted that the benefits we have
invested in will enable elderly and disabled people in all
parts of Scotland to benefit from a national minimum
standard of free off peak local bus travel.
"We have delivered these enhancements through local
schemes which were developed by local authorities to build
on existing schemes and to meet the specific everyday needs
of their communities. I welcome the approach by a number of
local authorities who are providing more than the national
minimum standard.
"This is an excellent example of what can be done
through partnership working with local authorities,
Strathclyde Passenger Transport and the bus industry to
deliver real benefits for elderly and disabled people."
Local authorities are providing guidance and information
on what is available in their area. Anyone seeking further
information should contact their local council or travel
centre or see their local press for details.
Under the Scottish Executive funded enhanced
concessionary fares arrangements, all elderly and disabled
concessionary card holders will be entitled from today, as
a minimum, to free local bus travel within existing
concessionary boundaries, after 9.30am Monday to Friday and
all day at weekends. A number of local authorities are
providing more than the national minimum.