Over-60s to retain free bus passes
OVER 60s in Caithness and the rest of the country are celebrating news that funding has been secured to guarantee them free bus travel for a further two years.
The S cottish government has invested £414million to guarantee continued free bus passes for over-60s and people with disabilities.
Transport Scotland and Scotland’s bus industry have agreed terms for reimbursing operators to extend the concessionary travel deal from from April 2015.
The new deal reflects expected growth in demand, fares and costs, and falling fuel prices.
Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: "Research shows the national concessionary travel scheme is greatly valued by users. Card holders themselves say it helps them financially, gives them a greater sense of independence, reduces feelings of isolation and gives them more confidence in their own ability to travel."
"Concessionary travel is a key part of the Scottish Government’s social wage and makes a real difference to many of the 1.2 million national entitlement card holders, including our elderly and disabled.
