Morgan welcomes investment in pensioners travel

Morgan welcomes investment in pensioners travel

SNP MSP for the South of Scotland, Alasdair Morgan, today (Tuesday) highlighted increased investment by the Scottish Government in bus travel, in particular free travel for the over 60s.

Mr Morgan also welcomed the Transport Minister's confirmation that there are absolutely no plans to change the age at which people become eligible for the scheme.

A review of the concessionary travel scheme, initially planned by the previous Labour Executive, will look at how to improve the scheme for future years - not at changing the age.

Mr Morgan said;

“Concessionary travel has been a real success with pensioners using it to get about Dumfries & Galloway as well as to take longer trips visiting friends or enjoying days out across Scotland.

“The SNP Government is showing its commitment to this scheme with additional investment of £12 million over three years to keep our pensioners on the move.

“Labour planned a review of free travel for the over 60s - but the SNP has made clear there will be no change to the age at which people are eligible. It is 60 now and it will stay 60 - that is good news from the SNP Government for the over 60s of Dumfries & Galloway.

“We must remember however that bus operators are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of spiralling fuel costs. We are looking at a situation in the near future where bus operators may not be able to fulfil their contracts with local authorities because they simply cannot afford to do so.

“It is ironic that the Scottish Government is making a commitment to protecting the right of free bus travel for the over-60s, while Westminster continues to pocket a vast windfall in fuel duty revenues as fuel prices soar.”