This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Smart cards for concessionary travellers
15/03/2006
New National Entitlement Cards are being sent out at a rate of around 200,000 a week in the lead up to the April 1 launch of the free Scotland-wide bus travel scheme. Already 100,000 cards have been delivered.
The cards give disabled people and those over 60 free travel anywhere in Scotland at any time of day on local buses and long-distance scheduled coaches. So far, over 80 per cent, almost 700,000 of current concessionary cardholders have applied.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott hand-delivered a smartcard to Gavin Ferguson (61) from Danderhall near Edinburgh, who said:
"I am thrilled at the idea of being able to travel free anywhere in the country. It will be a great chance to for me to visit many of the places in Scotland that I've always wanted to see."
Mr Scott said:
"It's great to hear how people like Mr Ferguson are going to make the most of the extended scheme - seeing more of their friends, more of their family and more of Scotland.
"Getting the cards to the people who'll benefit is an exciting step as we get closer to launch. With only three weeks to go, older and disabled people who've not yet applied and want to take advantage of the scheme should apply now."
Over the next year, nearly 7,000 buses in the fleets of 300 operators throughout Scotland will be equipped with the latest Electronic Ticketing Machines to register journeys. The new cards will be used as 'show and go' passes as the installation programme is rolled out.
Concessionary travel is the first application on the National Entitlement Card. In the future the card will be used to access other local services. The end result will not just be a 'smart' concessionary travel system, but an opportunity for integrated ticketing schemes in the future.
Latest figures show that there are 830,000 older and disabled people who have a current concessionary travel pass. Almost 700,000 applications have been received for the new scheme. 500,000 cards have been produced to date.
Existing local concessionary cards will continue to be accepted for travel on their local scheme in the short term. Those eligible for concessionary travel are urged to apply for the new National Entitlement Card to access the extended Scotland-wide scheme.
The Scotland-wide concessionary travel scheme is be operated by Transport Scotland, the new executive agency which is directly accountable to Scottish Ministers.
Older and disabled people will be able to travel free by bus anywhere in Scotland on local buses and long distance scheduled coaches throughout the day, including the morning rush hour.
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.