This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Concessionary bus travel goes nationwide
07/02/2006
More than one million people will be eligible for new concessionary bus passes that allow travel anywhere in Scotland under an expansion of the service which has previously been run by local authorities.
The new scheme, to be run by Transport Scotland, means from April 1 older and disabled people can use local and long-distance buses at any time of the day including morning rush hours.
Over 400,000 who currently hold a pass have already sent off for the new National Entitlement Card, and a survey commissioned by the Executive shows that 85 per cent of over-60s plan to take advantage of the new service.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott, helped by Beechgrove Garden's Jim McColl and Scottish stage veteran Una McLean, today encouraged people who haven't yet applied to make sure they get their new card in time.
The Minister said:
"I'm delighted that so many older Scots are planning to take advantage of the new scheme. This is a major initiative by the devolved Government of Scotland and will provide greater travel choice as well as connecting people and communities up and down the country.
"Older and disabled people who already have a valid card for their local transport scheme should have been invited to apply for the new National Entitlement Card. I'd urge existing card holders to apply now. Anyone who has not received a form or has not had a card before and thinks that they are eligible, should contact their local concessionary travel office."
The survey shows that more than three quarters (83%) of older Scots would like to see more of their home country with 72% likely to take a day, trip, short break or holiday in Scotland during the coming year according to the survey. Edinburgh tops the poll of places in Scotland that older people would most like to visit, followed by Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.
Jim McColl said:
"Free travel is obviously the main benefit of this scheme but the bonus for people like me, who have been used to driving, is in being able to see our beautiful country, enjoying the journey - stress free. I will be scouring the timetables and the route maps with a view to planning a few jaunts to places that I have never visited before, especially if I hear that they have some bonny gardens to see! If you see me on a bus near you - mind and say hello!"
Una McLean, whose voice will feature on radio adverts for the new scheme added:
"People these days generally have a better standard of life and are living longer. It's fantastic that after having worked hard all their lives, older people are being rewarded by being able to travel for free to places they may never have been to before. For long distance journeys, such as visiting my friend in Inverness, I can look forward to hopping onto a bus and taking in the scenery."
The Survey Shop carried out 502 interviews by telephone over the period December 8-12, 2005. The interviews were conducted anonymously and the sample was selected at random amongst consumers over 60 in Scotland.
Current passes will continue to be valid until March 31. From April 1 access to concessionary travel will be by using the new National Entitlement Card.
The national bus scheme for older and disabled people will cost a maximum of £159 million in 2006-07 and £163 million in 2007-08.
Older and disabled islanders will also be entitled to two free return ferry trips to the mainland.