New calls to extend free bus travel for older people to cover every nation across the UK
dailyrecord.co.ukA new online petition is calling for the concessionary bus pass for people of State Pension age to be extended to cover travel across all parts of the UK.
Petition creator, Charles David Smith, argues that giving older people the option to travel for free across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland would “enhance their lives”.
The ‘Negotiate UK-wide recognition of older person's bus passes’ petition, has been posted on the petitions-parliament website here and states: “We believe the UK Government should negotiate reciprocal agreements with the devolved administrations of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to allow the recognition and use of older person's bus passes across the whole of the UK.” It adds: “Allow those of limited means to enhance their lives with free travel.” At 10,000 signatures of support, it would be entitled to a response from the UK Government and at 100,000 it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.People aged 60 and over are also eligible for the Senior Railcard, which offers a third off rail travel.
It costs £30 for one year or £70 for three years. In Scotland, people over 60 are eligible to apply for the National Entitlement Card (NEC), which is administered by the Scottish Government.
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