New call to give older people free bus travel between all UK nations
The Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007 includes a power to allow for mutual recognition of bus passes across the UK.
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A new online petition is calling for a change to the nationwide concessionary bus travel scheme to enable every older person to travel between all regions of the UK for free.
At present, National Entitlement Cards are issued to people over State Pension age living in England and Wales, but available to those aged over 60 in Scotland.
Petition creator Hillary Shaw argues that older people living near the borders of UK regions are 'disadvantaged' and that as bus services run across Scotland, England and Wales, it would be 'easier and fairer' if the concession card covered the whole journey.
It emerged last year that existing UK Government legislation could make it possible to allow people with a concessionary bus pass to travel throughout the UK - in the future.
At the time, the then Minister for Roads and Local Transport Guy Opperman, said there were no present plans to 'introduce such an arrangement'.
The 'Negotiate UK-wide recognition of older person's bus passes' petition has been posted on the official UK Government's Petitions Parliament website and states: 'I think senior citizens living close to the English, Scottish and Welsh borders are disadvantaged in how many local bus services they can use.
'Bus services run across borders and I think it would be easier and fairer if the bus pass covered the whole journey, and return, on all of these services.
'I think it would be fairer for all if these passes could simply be used on any bus service in the UK. This could increase pensioner independence and travel opportunities, especially for those living in border areas.'
At 10,000 signatures of support, the petition would be entitled to a written response from the UK Government, most-likely the Department for Transport. At 100,000 signatures, it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament - you can view it online here.
National Entitlement Card in Scotland
In Scotland, people over 60 are eligible to apply for the National Entitlement Card (NEC), which is administered by the Scottish Government. It is Scotland's National Smartcard, offering access to many public services across the country.
The card gives elderly and disabled people free bus travel across Scotland and, through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, also provides reductions on train, Subway and ferry fares.
The NEC is valid for up to three years, but in a change to the renewal process, SPT no longer sends out renewal forms to disabled card holders. This means everyone with a card - sometimes referred to as a 'Saltire card' - should check the expiry date to make sure they will be able to enjoy uninterrupted entitlement to travel concessions.
SPT recommends applying for a renewal card at least five weeks before the expiry date. It's also important to be aware that guidance on the SPT website states that the Concessionary Travel Card Unit at Buchanan Bus Station will be closed for in person applications until further notice.
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