Contact/Cyswllt:  Sian Cliff
02920 898342 / sian.cliff@wales.gov.uk

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates is calling for free bus travel for the elderly and disabled to be extended throughout England and Wales to avoid cross-border chaos.

From April 1st people in England over 60 or disabled will be able to travel for free throughout England. The Welsh Assembly Government already provides funding for the over 60 and disabled to travel free throughout Wales.

Some border local authorities in Wales have allowed passes to be valid on routes into nearby English towns, however the scheme causes unnecessary confusion for many elderly and disabled travellers.

Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Mick Bates said: “Public transport is vital for the elderly and disabled to access leisure facilities, medical services and shops as well as visit friends and relatives.

“It is important, particularly for those living in cross border counties, that people should be able to travel cross border if needed without the worry of being caught out by unexpected charges.

“The current scheme where local authorities have discretion over whether to allow free bus passes to be used on routes into nearby English towns is simply too complicated. Free bus travel across the whole of England and Wales for disabled and elderly passengers would end this confusion.

“I have raised the issue with Rhodri Morgan in the chamber and he agreed that if Ken Livingstone and Hugo Chávez can arrange a reciprocal arrangement for bus passes to be used in London and Caracas, then we should be able to make a similar agreement between England and Wales. I have now written to ensure that the First Minister discusses the issue with Westminster colleagues as soon as possible.”


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