For immediate release:

CONCESSIONARY TRAVEL SCHEME EXTENDED BY SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

The Scottish Government has announced that the National Concessionary Travel Scheme will be extended to companions of eligible disabled children aged under five, whilst the age of eligibility will not be changed.

The free bus pass scheme was under review by the Scottish Government who sought the views of the public on whether to change its criteria. Nearly 3000 responses were received from people and organisations all across Scotland, and two thirds of which felt that that the free bus pass should remain available from the age of 60, and an overwhelming number of respondents were in favour of providing companion cards for eligible disabled children aged under five.

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has welcomed the news.

The change to the criteria is expected to benefit over 300 families.

Commenting, Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey said:

“The evidence shows that free bus passes enable accessibility, social inclusivity, and independence, therefore I am delighted that the government is protecting the scheme and extended to include companions of eligible disabled children aged under five.

“The Scottish Government has listened closely to the respondents of the consultation, most of whom felt that the free bus pass should remain available to all from the age of 60, and confirmed that the age of eligibility will not change.

“In addition to previously extending the free bus pass to injured veterans, there are now a total of 1.3 million people in Scotland who benefit from the scheme.

“Under these changes, no one will have their bus pass removed, those aged 60 and over will continue to be eligible, and more people will ultimately be entitled to one”.

ENDS

Notes:

Scottish Government announcement of the 2nd August:

https://news.gov.scot/news/extending-the-concessionary-travel-scheme

Date published: 2nd August 2018