“Great news” that age for free bus pass stays at 60 but time to look at how it works better for rural Scotland

Age Scotland and the Community Transport Association have welcomed news from the Scottish Government that the eligibility age for a National Concessionary Travel card will remain at 60 but have called on the Transport Secretary to explore how it could be extended to cover community transport schemes to better serve older people in rural and remote Scotland.

The national charity for people over the age of 50, Age Scotland, has been campaigning for the eligibility age to stay at 60.

Previous research conducted by Age Scotland identified that over two-thirds of those in rural and remote Scotland, aged 60 and over, do not have or do not use the free bus pass.

Commenting, Age Scotland’s Chief Executive Brian Sloan said:

“It’s great news that eligibility for the National Concessionary Travel card will remain at 60. Age Scotland has been campaigning for this to remain the case. Ever since its introduction more than a decade ago it has revolutionised how older people stay connected.

“The benefits of the free bus pass are clear. For every pound invested, there is a return of nearly four as older people use it to shop, volunteer, attend medical appointments and much more. It is one of the most effective tools to tackle loneliness and isolation which is a major public health issue facing Scotland.

“As the number of single-person households increase significantly over the next two decades, it is more important than ever that the scheme is protected.

“The Scottish Government should now explore how it could be further extended to better serve older people in rural and remote Scotland who do not have readily available public transport options, to help tackle loneliness and isolation as well as ensuring they are able to access medical appointments to improve their health and well-being. This should be done by widening its use to include more community transport options.”

Derek Young, Director for Scotland of the Community Transport Association, said:

“Maintaining the age qualification is very welcome. However, keeping the scope of the scheme to scheduled services only may mean that it is less effective in practice if services are withdrawn, especially in rural areas, as bus patronage declines. Opening concessionary travel up to more social and community providers would help older people to access health and care support, maintain their independence, and remain connected with others.”