Dear Mr Scott,
As discussed, I've attached a copy of the remit for the review of the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People. This document is also published on the Scottish Government website.
The eligibility criteria for the scheme already allow blind people and their travelling companion, where appropriate, free travel on all local and long distance buses within Scotland and to Berwick-upon-Tweed and Carlisle in England. Blind people who live on Scottish islands also qualify for 4 free single ferry journeys per year to the Scottish mainland.
While the current review is considering what improvements might be made to the scheme, there are no plans to amend the current eligibility criteria as they apply to blind people. Indeed, Ministers have stated in Parliament that all currently eligible people and bus services will remain eligible following the review.
We invited RNIB Scotland, amongst others, to comment on the current operation of the scheme and to recommend any changes which they would wish to see introduced in the future. In the absence of a reply, we shall assume that they are content with the current arrangements,
I hope this note provides the re-assurance that you were seeking.
Best wishes.
George Davidson
Scottish Government
No comments:
Post a Comment