Stop tram cut proposal in its tracks, says Age Scotland

Scotland’s national charity for older people has urged Edinburgh City Council to put the brakes on proposals that would lead to a “two-tier transport system”.

Age Scotland's Chief Executive Brian Sloan has written to every councillor saying that it would be completely unacceptable to scrap free fares for over-60s on the city’s trams.

The council is considering removing funding for the free travel to save £690,000 a year as part of cost-cutting plans. The Scottish Government pays for concessionary bus fares as part of the national scheme, but refused to cover trams, so the council picks up the bill. It only applies to Edinburgh residents.

The charity is opposing the move as it would create another barrier to older people using public transport, pushing them onto less accessible buses or discouraging them from traveling at all. It is completely counter to the councit's plans to have a fully integrated transport system.

Mr Sloan said: “This is completely unacceptable and would lead to a two-tier transport system. We have written to every councillor in Edinburgh urging them to consider our older and more vulnerable residents and stop this in the tracks.

“The concessionary transport scheme is a lifeline for tens of thousands of older people in the city. We know that trams are especially valued by older people with limited mobility, as they’re easily accessible. Putting the brakes on this scheme would create another barrier to people getting out and about, and could lead to more loneliness and isolation.

“This should be about more than just saving money. Equal access to trams will help us create a fairer, more inclusive city and ensure everyone can play a full part in our society. Edinburgh’s transport system is designed to be integrated, but this makes it more disjointed and difficult to use.

“In any case, research shows that investing in transport results in gains for the local economy.

“Instead of cutbacks, we would like to see the Scottish Government and councils expanding the concessionary transport scheme across Scotland.”