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Free bus travel for pensioners sealed with £10 million investment       31/1/13

Free bus travel for the over 60’s and people with disabilities has been secured with a new deal between Transport Scotland and Scotland’s bus industry.  

The deal to agree new fare reimbursement arrangements, sees a £10 million cash injection in the industry this year and ensures the scheme remains in budget.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “Concessionary travel is a key part of the Scottish Government’s social wage and makes a real difference to many of our elderly and disabled.

“Today’s agreement secures concessionary travel for the future and ensures the bus industry not only receives all of this year’s budget in full but a further £10 million to support investment in the industry during tough financial times.

"Our track record in funding bus travel speaks for itself. We are continuing to provide £250 million annually to the industry, investing not just in concessionary travel but support for services and new green buses.

"The changes to the reimbursement arrangements are based on hard evidence and we have worked with the industry to provide them with some much-needed stability going forward.

“But the needs of the passenger must come first and we are encouraging operators to continue to work with us to deliver services for passengers at affordable prices.”

Cathy Leech, Chair of the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum said: “We welcome the decision by the Scottish Government to safeguard the Concessionary Travel Scheme in light of increased prices on some many other day to day items. We are delighted that the Scottish Government have the vision to see this as an essential provision, especially for those living in rural areas.”