Latest news with #NationalEntitlementCards
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
New call to give all pensioners free bus travel between Scotland, England and Wales
An online petition wants to see governments negotiate UK-wide recognition of the concessionary bus travel scheme. 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 nations 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.
The National
19-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Aberdeen weekend night bus services to return
Aberdeen City Council announced it has awarded First Bus a contract to provide services for five routes from the city centre on weekends from the evening of Friday, June 27, for the next three years. The reintroduction of the night bus services follows on from the successful pilot service over the 2024 festive season. All services will operate on Friday night and early Saturday morning and Saturday night and early Sunday morning only, from midnight to approximately 3.30am. READ MORE: Police Scotland urged to reject 'misogynistic' pregnancy loss guidance Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard welcomed the news as he said it will help support businesses in the area and will give people more choice on how they will get home. He said: 'The return of the night buses will be welcomed by businesses in the city centre and are part of our Purple Flag status for city centre safety and vibrancy. 'The Aberdeen City Council move will help to support businesses by giving people another transport option for getting home.' The night bus services will be funded by bus lane enforcement revenue. The local authority said single fares will apply on the service and that people will be allowed to use both concessionary and Under 22's National Entitlement Cards on the service. (Image: Norman Adams) Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill added the service will be launched in time for the popular Tall Ship Races which is due to set sail from Saturday, July 19, to Tuesday July 22. He said: 'The night bus service over Christmas and New Year was popular. I am delighted the City Council is bringing night bus services back year-round. These services being in place in time for the Tall Ships arriving in the city is a real bonus. 'Over the Tall Ships weekend, many more people than normal are expected to be enjoying the cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the city centre. The night buses will provide safe and efficient transport for visitors to our city centre. 'I hope as many people as possible take advantage of this cost-effective and safe transport to get home.' The routes announced for the service are as follows: N1, City Centre (Alford Place) – Danestone, via Seaton; Dubford and Ashwood N17, City Centre (Union Terrace) – Inverurie, via Great Northern Road, Bucksburn & Dyce N23, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Kingswells, via Summerhill and Sheddocksley N201, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Banchory, via Mannofield; Cults; Bieldside; Milltimber; and Peterculter N18, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Cove/Charleston via Kincorth. David Adam, head of operations at First Bus Aberdeen, welcomed the new service as he said: 'We are delighted to be working with Aberdeen City Council to launch this night bus service in Aberdeen, making it easier for people to get home later in the night, while continuing to support local businesses in the city. 'It's important people have the confidence they will be able to get home safely and affordably when going to enjoy a meal, some drinks or a night out at one of the fantastic venues in the city centre. We hope the introduction of the new night bus routes will do just that.'
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Calls for major free bus travel change for older people across UK
A new petition is calling for the concession cards to be used throughout the UK A new online campaign is gaining traction, demanding a revamp of the concessionary bus travel scheme to allow pensioners to travel across the UK without charge. Currently, National Entitlement Cards are given to those over State Pension age in England and Wales, while people in Scotland can get their hands on one from 60 years old. Campaigner Hillary Shaw has voiced concerns that older people living on the cusp of UK regions are getting a raw deal, pointing out that since bus services run across Scotland, England and Wales, it would be 'easier and fairer' if the concession card covered the whole journey. Last year, whispers surfaced that existing UK Government laws might pave the way for concessionary bus pass holders to enjoy UK-wide travel in times to come. Back then, Guy Opperman, who was serving as Minister for Roads and Local Transport, made it clear there were no immediate intentions to "introduce such an arrangement", as reported by the Daily Record. 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." Once the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the UK Government will be required to provide a written response, likely from 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.
