From today (April 1st) around 11 million people across England have the opportunity to travel wherever they want for free on local buses as the new bus pass comes into effect.
This expansion of the previous local scheme entitles anyone aged 60 or over, as well as eligible disabled people, to use their free bus pass across England during the off-peak period.
Marking the launch of the new bus pass at the London Transport Museum, Transport Minister Rosie Winterton was joined by representative groups and bus pass holders.
Hosting a reception at the Museum, the Minister said:
"For many older or disabled people the bus can be a lifeline - providing access to employment, healthcare and other essential services, as well as allowing them to visit family and friends.
"That is why we have been working hard to deliver an increasingly better deal. The extension of the free bus pass scheme means no older or disabled person in England need be prevented from bus travel by cost alone, and I am pleased that we have been able to deliver this major benefit."
An extra £212 million has been allocated solely to fund the change, ensuring that in total around £1 billion a year will be invested by the Government in the provision of free bus travel.
Other comments about the new pass:
Help the Aged
Paul Cann, Director of policy and external relations, said:
"We're delighted that so many older people will be able to benefit from the bus pass being introduced. Public transport plays a crucial role in ensuring older people aren't left isolated and cut off from society.
"But we mustn't forget that mobility problems or poor local services can make it difficult for some older people to use buses. We're hoping the bus pass will be the first in a string of concessional travel options being opened up for older people and that local authorities will provide alternatives such as free dial-a-ride schemes or travel tokens for taxis, trains and community transport. That way all older people will be able to get around.
Bus Users UK
Gavin Booth, Chairman of Bus Users UK said:
"BUS USERS UK welcomes any move to increase bus use, and we've been delighted at the number of over-60s who have started using the bus since they received their local free entitlement. New users we have spoken to have found the bus an excellent way to get into town, and we also know of older, more infirm people who find the ability to use the bus for just a short hop to the local shop has made life so much easier for them.
"The move to an England-wide pass removes some of the anomalies there have been, particularly for people living near the boundary of a local scheme, and opens up new opportunities for people to travel farther afield.
"We hope many more over 60s and disabled people who haven't been tempted by the previous scheme will make use of their new passes and discover new places they didn't know they could get to by bus. And we look forward to the time when all English, Welsh and Scottish passes become valid anywhere in Great Britain."
Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers (ATCO)
Fran Garthwaite, Chair of The ATCO, said:
"We welcome the launch of the national passes for elderly and disabled people which will allow them to travel for free in England. We know how much pass holders value this positive contribution. We are hoping that in the near future this national scheme can be extended to young people to allow them the same freedom and opportunities".
Friends of the Elderly
Jenny Sykes, Director of Community Services, said:
"Friends of the Elderly always applauds new initiatives which will aid older people, but the new national bus pass deserves special recognition as it tackles a huge problem faced by older people, transport.
"There is rarely enough transport available, particularly in rural areas, and older people face additional social isolation as a result of this. Friends of the Elderly hope the ability to travel on any bus route will greatly improve not only older peoples interaction with family and friends, who live in neighbouring boroughs, but also enable them to more easily undertake essential trips like attending hospital appointments."
Better Government for Older People
Harry Graham, Secretary of BGOP's UK OPAG said:
"This is a wonderful achievement for BGOP, OPAG and all our partners. The new national bus concession is a tremendous benefit to older people and will keep them active much longer and help them with their shortcomings"
Epilepsy Action
Simon Wigglesworth, Epilepsy Action's Deputy Chief Executive said:
"We welcome the new national bus pass being launched by the Department for Transport. This is a great new initiative that should benefit around 180,000 people with epilepsy who are not seizure free and therefore cannot drive."
Leonard Cheshire Disability
Lee Webster, Disability Senior Campaigns Officer said:
"This scheme is a very positive step towards a fully accessible public transport system. It is now up to transport providers to make sure that all their buses are accessible, so that disabled people can take full advantage of all the cultural and social opportunities available to them."
Local Government Association
Cllr David Sparks, Chairman of the LGA Transport and Regeneration Board, said:
"Free bus travel throughout England will benefit millions of elderly and disabled people. Councils are committed to putting people first and hope the new pass will allow more people over sixty to enjoy a day out to their favourite seaside town or historic location."
DeafBlind UK
Heather Lord, Head of Policy Campaigns and Awareness at DeafBlind UK said:
"Disabled people in particular welcome the opportunity to be more independent by gaining easier access to services and keeping in touch with their friends and family. Extending the funding for this entitlement will widen the world that disabled people can visit, opening up greater opportunities for a satisfying and fulfilling life."
Age Concern
Gordon Lishman, Director General at Age Concern said:
"Free bus travel is very popular with older people and can really help to improve their quality of life. Without these concessions, many older people on a low income would struggle to get to their local shops, banks or hospital, or visit family and friends - which may leave them feeling isolated and cut off from society. Having the means to travel independently is incredibly important to older people."
RNID
Brian Lamb, RNID Director of Communications, said:
"The Government's new national bus pass is a positive step forwards and a great way of breaking down social barriers for deaf people.
"RNID research shows that a fifth of deaf bus passengers feel vulnerable because the driver is poorly trained in communication skills. The Government must ensure that public transport is made more accessible to all passengers, by providing deaf awareness training for staff, and rolling out visual and real time technology to improve access to passengers with hearing or sight problems.
"RNID would also like to see local councils to do more to promote the concessionary scheme, and to ensure that their advice and services are accessible for people with a hearing loss."
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