Local MSP Keith Brown is calling on local residents to add their voice to the Free Bus Pass Changes Consultation launched on Friday 25 of August. The aim of the consultation is to hear the public’s views on what they do and do not want to be changed about the current concessionary bus travel scheme and on whether we should raise eligibility towards the state pension age, either at once or gradually over time.
This is only a consultation and if someone currently has a free bus pass, then they are at no risk of losing it in the future. The Scottish Government also have no plans to make adverse changes to eligibility for people with a disability. People with a bus pass as a result of a disability will continue to benefit from the scheme.
Keith Brown MSP said: “The Scottish Government is committed to providing free bus travel to older and disabled people, and those who currently have a free bus pass will not lose it.
“With people living longer and staying healthier, we want to make sure that those who have access to a free bus pass are those who have a greater reliance on free bus travel. That is why expanding the scheme to young Modern Apprentices and providing free companion travel for eligible disabled children under five is also under consideration in this consultation.
“We hope that by concentrating on free travel for young modern apprentices, we can help grow and enhance one of the Scottish Government’s flagship youth employment programmes which is due to offer 30,000 new opportunities a year by 2020.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved in this consultation to help inform the Scottish Government’s decision on whether any changes need to be made to the scheme at this time."