Concessionary bus travel scheme
Published on 19 February 2014 04:30 PM
Age Cymru has welcomed the Welsh Government's commitment to fund the concessionary travel pass for the next three years.
The Welsh Government's Transport Minister Edwina Hart has pledged £189 million to run the scheme.
Commenting on the announcement, Age Cymru's Head of Policy and Public Affairs Graeme Francis says:
"The concessionary travel pass is highly valued by older people across Wales - we know this, because that's what people tell us.
"Many older people rely on the bus as their only means of reaching essential services, such as hospitals and banks.
"While we welcome the continued commitment from the Welsh Government to provide the concessionary travel pass, Age Cymru is concerned about the impact that reduced rates of reimbursement may have on bus services.
"Our fear is that this could lead to the long-term viability of some bus routes and leave some areas without vital public transport links, leaving older people isolated and lonely."
A report, 'Buses - A lifeline for older people' was published by Age Cymru in December 2013.