Countdown commences for new national bus pass
13/03/2008
The countdown has begun to a new bus pass concession offering a potential 11 million people free England-wide local bus travel and the opportunity for days out to some of the nation’s favourite landmarks.
Introduced on April 1st, the concession will enable those sixty or over, or eligible disabled, to travel on any local bus route in England, off-peak, for free. This extends the current national entitlement, which provides free local bus travel solely within a local authority area.
With just a few weeks to go, eligible residents will soon be able to travel for free on off-peak buses to some of the nation’s favourite locations across the country, voted for by residents of England in last year’s Pride of Place poll.
These include:
• The Carding Mill Valley and Shropshire hills in the Midlands
• Taking an early seasonal dip into Poole’s world-renowned beaches
• Enjoying the scenic trip around Cumbria’s picturesque lakes
• Having a historic bus ride in the East by visiting the impressive Norwich Cathedral or Walsingham Shrine.
Commenting on the scheme, Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said: “When it comes to local beauty, fantastic shopping facilities and popular visitor attractions, England has so much to offer. So our aim is to give eligible bus pass holders more freedom and independence.
“By providing pass holders with free travel on local bus services all over England, we also hope that the new scheme will appeal to their sense of adventure and encourage them to continue their explorations further afield.”
To find out more about the new national bus concession, visit the website below.