What the media says about me...

"Independent minded."

Quentin Letts, Daily Mail, December 2004

Free Local Bus Travel Goes Countrywide

Tags: Old Age | Press Release | transport

Tuesday, 01 April 2008 00:00

Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, has welcomed the Government's move to extend countrywide free local bus travel for over-60s and disabled people. From 1 April every person over 60 and eligible disabled people will be able to travel for free on local buses throughout England, from 9.30am until 11pm every weekday and all day at weekends. The MP said: “Free local bus travel is now a reality from Berwick upon Tweed to Lands End. Over 18,000 elderly and disabled people in Pendle will benefit from this change, whether to go shopping in a neighbouring borough or to make visits further afield.” “Pass-holders from other areas will of course be able to visit Pendle, so the change will be good for local tourism.” The MP added: “Providing free local bus travel brings greater mobility and independence for older and disabled people, as well as helping to reduce traffic congestion. “I would urge anyone who is eligible to apply for a pass as soon as possible if they haven't got one. They should contact Pendle Council on 661661 or ring the NoW Card Helpline on 0845 058 1096.” Note to Editors: In 2006/07 the Government provided English local authorities with an extra £350 million (through the rate support grant settlement) to implement free local bus travel in their areas. This will rise to £377 million in 2008/09, £386 million in 2009/10 and £396 million in 2010/11. In 2008/09 an additional £212 million is being provided to local authorities for the extended national concessionary fares scheme. This will rise to £217 million in 2009/10 and to £223 million in 2010/11. Pendle Council is receiving a £268,000 (23%) increase on its 2006/7 allocation to implement the extension of the scheme. Local authorities will still be able to add top- ups to the national scheme if they wish to, for example by funding passes to be used on trains, providing carers with passes or extending hours of travel to before 9.30am.