Free, unrestricted Scotland-wide bus travel for the over-60s and disabled people
The Scottish Executive launched a nationwide travel scheme that will allow free, unrestricted Scotland-wide bus and coach travel for the over-60s and disabled people.
Since April 1st 2006, concessionary cardholders have been entitled to unlimited free bus and coach travel (bus, coach, rail and ferry for blind persons) throughout Scotland and to Berwick and Carlisle. Existing concessionary travel cards have been replaced by a new "Smartcard". Whereas, the Council had responsibility for running the concessionary travel scheme in the Borders, the national scheme is operated by Transport Scotland, a new executive agency which is directly accountable to Scottish Ministers.
We mailed out packages explaining the scheme to holders of the old style Scottish Borders concessionary travel cards. The package contained an application form which had to be completed to qualify for the new scheme. Anyone eligible for the current card was eligible for a national card.
Free bus travel, at any time of the day - not just during off-peak times, is one of the entitlements on the new Smartcard,
which is intended to eventually allow members of the public to use a number of public services through a single card. The
electronic card will help prevent fraud. An application for your first travel card must still be made at the post office.
You can see more information on concessionary travel on the Transport Scotland web site.
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