Concessionary bus pass must be protected

Labour in the Scottish Parliament introduced the concessionary travel scheme for older people and disabled people in 2006 and today 1.3 million people are free bus passholders.

Despite promising to protect the bus pass, the SNP Government in Edinburgh have cut the bus pass budget by £9.5 million and they are now consulting on the future of the scheme, having failed to rule out raising the eligibility criteria from 60 to 65. The bus pass represents a major investment in public transport. It is a way of keeping communities connected, a hand-up to people on modest incomes working towards retirement and a preventative measure to stop social isolation.

It is a lifeline to many and it must be protected. You have until the November 17 to have your say on the future of the bus pass as part of the official consultation exercise.

Find out more at www.consult. scotland.gov.uk