28 October 2005
Older and disabled people will be able to travel for free throughout Scotland under a national concessionary bus scheme to be introduced next year.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott this week issued a consultation paper giving details of the scheme, which is expected to cost a maximum of £159m in 2006/07 and £163m in 2007/08.
At present, most local authorities operate concessionary travel schemes — but these are restricted to their areas. Under the national scheme, people aged 60 and over and the disabled will be given free, unrestricted Scotland-wide bus travel at any time of day.
More than 500 bodies are being asked to comment on the details of the scheme, to be introduced on April 1, 2006. It will be operated by Transport Scotland, the new executive agency that is directly accountable to Scottish ministers.
Bus operators will be paid 73.6% of the average adult single fare to ensure they are no better or worse off.
Scott said: 'We have worked very closely with the bus operators, local authorities, current local concessionary travel schemes and Mobility Access Committee Scotland to develop what the national scheme will look like.'
The Executive has estimated that more than a million people will benefit from what is seen as a major expansion of existing concessionary services.
'This free national bus travel scheme will provide greater travel choice as well as connecting people and communities,' Scott said.
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