This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Green for go for free bus travel
31/03/2006
Free bus travel for more than one million older and disabled people will become a reality tomorrow as the Executive's concessionary fares scheme is launched.
First Minister Jack McConnell said the new scheme would make a difference to a lot of people's lives.
"Tomorrow will be a great day for older and disabled people in Scotland. It will make a massive difference to their lives, allowing them to travel by bus, anywhere in Scotland, at any time of day, free of charge.
"This initiative will connect communities across the country. It gives older and disabled people the opportunity to visit parts of Scotland they have always wanted to go to and it will allow them to visit old friends or relatives in other parts of Scotland.
"Yet again Scotland leads the rest of the UK. This is a significant achievement for devolution and I hope all of those who are entitled to free bus travel make full use of this scheme."
Transport Minister Tavish Scott said:
"Three quarters of a million people have applied for the new card - that's around 90 percent of those who currently have passes for local schemes. This level of uptake is fantastic.
"I'd urge those who've not yet applied to do so as soon as possible. Local cards will continue to be valid for a limited period of time. But people should get their new card if they want to take advantage travelling across Scotland."
From April 1 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.
Older and disabled islanders will also be entitled to two free return ferry trips to the mainland.
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.
The Scotland-wide concessionary travel scheme is be operated by Transport Scotland, the new executive agency which is directly accountable to Scottish Ministers.
The scheme will be included on the new National Entitlement Card, which is intended, over time, to allow members of the public to use an increasing number of public services through a single card.