Labour under fire over free bus pass 'scaremongering'
Labour claim:
"The SNP are getting rid of my free bus pass."
SNP say: "Labour scaremongering at its worst"
Background:
The Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People was introduced on 1 April 2006. The scheme provides free bus travel anywhere in Scotland on local buses and long distance scheduled coaches throughout the day, including the morning rush hour. Two free return ferry journeys per year to the mainland are also offered as a minimum to all eligible Scottish Island residents.
The scheme has over 1.1 million National Entitlement Cardholders.
A review of the scheme this year looked at eligibility, delivery, legislation and funding.
The truth:
- There will be no reduction in this service.
- Pensioners and disabled people will continue to enjoy free travel across Scotland at all times.
- The fact is that the Scottish Government is extending the scheme. Injured military veterans will also now qualify for free travel.
- The SNP has increased support for bus travel with extra funding of £4m, £6m, £2m over this spending review
- Funding for bus transport is 31% higher per capita in Scotland under the SNP than in England and Wales under Labour.
We are guaranteeing that the eligibility to free travel for elderly and disabled will not change – in relation to all other elements of the concessionary travel scheme we have no plans to change it.
