This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland-wide free bus travel on schedule
24/10/2005
Free, unrestricted Scotland-wide bus travel for older and disabled people came a step closer today with the launch of a public consultation on the new national scheme.
Over 500 key parties will be asked to comment on the proposed framework for the national concessionary scheme which is on track to go live from April 1, 2006.
The consultation paper gives the details on how the Executive plans to extend the existing local restricted bus entitlements to allow older and disabled people unlimited Scotland-wide free bus travel at any time of the day - not just during off-peak times.
In addition, under the new scheme, older and disabled residents of Scotland's islands will also receive two free return ferry trips a year. The closing date for the consultation is December 5, 2005.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott said: "The devolved government of Scotland is committed to giving our older and disabled people free travel across Scotland's entire bus network. From April 2006 they can access bus services at any time of the day as part of the aim to improve access to public transport.
"Today marks a key milestone in delivering on that promise. We've reached this key stage thanks largely to input from our key stakeholders. We've worked very closely with the bus operators, local authorities, current local concessionary travel schemes and Mobility Access Committee Scotland (MACS) to develop what the national scheme will look like.
"Over a million people are set to benefit from the major expansion of existing concessionary bus services. This free national bus travel scheme will provide greater travel choice as well as connecting people and communities up and down the country.
"I am delighted that we will be able to extend free bus travel, allowing some of Scotland's most vulnerable people greater access to everyday services at any time of day. It gives older and disabled people a greater opportunity to see more of their friends, see more of their family and see more of Scotland."
Older and disabled people will be ble to travel free by bus anywhere in Scotland on local buses and long distance scheduled coaches throughout the day, including the morning rush hour. Older people are defined as people aged 60 and over. The definition of disability relates to disability where mobility is reduced. In circumstances where assistance is required to travel, the entitlement will include a companion.
Currently, council have responsibility for running concessionary travel schemes, but the national concessionary travel scheme will be operated by Transport Scotland, the new executive agency which is directly accountable to Scottish Ministers.
The national bus scheme for older and disabled people will cost a maximum of £159m in 2006-07 aqnd £163m in 2007-08. Bus operators will be paid at the rate of 73.6 per cent of the average adult single fare to ensure they are no better or worse off through taking part in the scheme.
The scheme will be an application on the new Entitlement Card, which is intended to allow members of the public to use an increasing number of public services through a single card. The electronic card wil help prevent fraud. Older and disabled islanders will also be entitled to two free return ferry trips to the mainland.