WIREDGOV

9 out of 10 support move to free England-wide bus pass

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT News Release (019) issued by The Government News Network on 4 February 2008

New research published today reveals that more than 90% of those entitled to the free England-wide bus pass are eagerly awaiting its introduction on April 1st 2008.

The current bus concession scheme for older and eligible disabled people will soon be extended to provide free local off-peak bus travel anywhere in England and, according to a recent independent survey for the Department for Transport, is expected to bring significant benefits to those who plan to make the most of it. The findings reveal that of those who responded:

* 91% of people aged 60 or over, or eligible disabled, support the new pass.

* 79% of those aged 60 or over believe it will provide greater independence with many planning to use it to visit shops outside their local area.

* 68% of respondents believe that pass holders will save more than £10 per month, with half of those believing the figure could be over £20.

* 70% of eligible disabled respondents will use the pass to keep in touch with friends and relatives no matter where they are.

Launching a new £1.5 million publicity campaign in York this morning, Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said:

"I am delighted that so many people are looking forward to the new concession. This is such an important scheme because the new pass offers not only greater freedom and independence it can also offer significant savings when visiting friends, services and places of interest outside of their local area.

"How people will use it is down to them of course, but our aim is to make sure that the millions of passengers who have a pass are fully informed about how they can make the most of it from April 1st."

The distinctive advertising campaign, which prominently features a 'destination anywhere' bus stop design, will appear in national and consumer press throughout the coming weeks as well as at bus stops and onboard bus services until late March 2008.

Notes to Editors

1. For further information on the new England wide Bus Concession including details on how to register, people aged 60 or over or eligible disabled people will need to contact their existing pass provider. They can log on to http://www.direct.gov.uk/buspass if they are unsure who this is.

2. The research was carried out online by Tickbox.net between 6th December 2007 and 13th December 2007 amongst a sample of 1,094 eligible people, 960 of whom confirmed they were aged 60 or over and 9 registered as disabled with 125 identifying themselves in both categories.

3. Tickbox.net is a leading market research organisation, carrying out consumer, corporate and niche market surveys online amongst a 50,000 plus member panel. Tickbox.net follows the codes of the MRS (Market Research Society) and are fully registered and compliant with the Data Protection Registrar.

4. The full survey is available at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/scienceresearch/orresearch

The new bus concession

5. From 1st April 2008, people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled whose principle residence is England, will be able to take advantage of free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England. Off-peak is 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays and anytime on weekends and Bank Holidays.

6. The new statutory entitlement will give up to 11 million eligible people more freedom and independence, greater access to vital services such as hospitals and shops, and the opportunity to travel more economically when visiting friends and family living in other parts of England.

7. The England bus concession covers free off-peak local bus travel in England for people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people. It does not cover national coach travel or other modes of transport. However, individual Travel Concession Authorities (TCAs) are able to extend the travel benefits (such as to tubes, trains and all day travel) at their own discretion. These additional benefits are funded by the relevant TCA and so are likely to be available only to people living in the TCA's area.

England Bus Concession Background

8. In 2000, a half price off-peak local bus travel statutory minimum concession was introduced in England for people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled within their local travel area. In 2006, this was extended to free off-peak local bus travel. From 1st April 2008 the concession will be extended to free off-peak local bus travel throughout England. The Government is providing additional funding of £212 million a year from April 2008 to fund the England-wide bus concession.

Getting a new bus pass

9. Outside London, eligible concessionaires will need to replace their existing local bus passes will new England-wide passes. These will be issued by their local TCA.

10. In London, concessionaires will not get a new pass. Instead, their existing Freedom Pass will be re-stickered with the England concessionary logo in order to show eligibility for the England wide bus concession. London concessionaires will continue to enjoy the same benefits as they currently do when travelling within London. When travelling in England outside London their pass would be valid only for off peak local bus travel, in line with the England concession. Concessionary pass holders from outside London would, when in London, enjoy free travel only on buses.

11. People are advised to contact their local pass provider or visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/buspass for details of any local benefits or for more information on the England concession and eligibility.

Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk