MSP backs campaign for concessionary train travel scheme for blind people and their companions

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Central Scotland MSP Gillian Mackay is backing a new campaign that would permit blind people in Lanarkshire and their companions to travel by rail throughout Scotland for free.As ScotRail is set to transfer into public ownership post March 2022, the Scottish Greens MSP is backing Sight Scotland in calling for a new national concessionary and companion rail scheme for blind and partially sighted people to be established.Sight Scotland, Scotland’s biggest third sector visual impairment organisation, and Sight Scotland Veterans want a national policy introduced for train travel for blind and partially sighted people, similar to Scotland’s free bus travel scheme.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android This would ensure equality of access to travel by rail for blind and partially sighted people in all areas of the country.Currently the Scottish National Blind Persons scheme offers free rail, ferry and tram travel to registered blind or partially sighted people in Scotland but does not offer companions free travel or concessions.The MSP, who is the Scottish Greens spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: “I fully endorse this important campaign led by Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans."A national entitlement card should be just what it says – a national entitlement, not fragmented dependent on