SIXTY will remain the qualifying age for free bus travel for senior citizens in Scotland.
There were fears the people would have to wait longer for free travel, after the Scottish Government launched a consultation on the scheme’s future.
However, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson has announced that there will be no change. He also revealed that the free travel scheme will be extended to include carers of under-fives with disabilities – a move that could benefit 3000 families – and that ministers will look at the possibility of extending the scheme to cover apprentices.
Almost two-thirds of those who took part in the consultation supported plans to keep the age for a bus pass at 60.
Matheson announced there would be no change to the eligibility criteria for what is officially called the national concessionary travel scheme as he met bus industry leaders for the first time since taking over the transport brief at the end of June.
He said the scheme is “of great benefit to users and the wider economy”, adding that “having a free bus pass helps people stay more active and preserves their independence, improving health and wellbeing”.
Matheson went on: “The bus pass is a benefit many people enjoy and use as part of their daily lives and I’m delighted that this government will expand the scheme to include companions of eligible disabled children aged under five.
“The concessionary travel scheme enables independence, accessibility and social inclusivity. We have listened closely to the many respondents who feel the bus pass should remain available to all from the age of 60 and concluded we should not change that.
“At a time when we are investing and encouraging more people to use Scotland’s many excellent bus services, this Government will do all it can to ensure as many people as possible consider the many benefits of bus travel.
Kayleigh Thorpe, head of campaigns at the charity Enable Scotland, said: “The cost of travel can prove a significant burden upon families who may already be under substantial financial pressure with the additional costs of raising a disabled child.”
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