South Yorkshire has given concessionary travellers a major boost.
The county’s Passenger Transport Authority has agreed to retain the existing county-wide travel concessions which give residents free travel from 9am (all day for disabled people).
South Yorkshire’s concessionary fares scheme - open to residents and visitors to the area who are over 60 or disabled - also includes local tram and train services and concessions for companions of some disabled people are also being retained.
The new National Scheme, designed to give passengers in all parts of the UK free bus travel after 9.30am, Monday to Friday and all day Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, will be introduced on 1 April.
By making the scheme national the Government hopes to remove any barriers on regional boundaries helping to further tackle social inclusion for some of the most vulnerable people.
Councillor Andrea Milner, Chair of the Transport Authority, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to keep these concessions which mean so much to elderly and disabled people in South Yorkshire.
“This means that local people can now enjoy the travel opportunities provided by the new national scheme without losing any of their existing benefits.
”We were determined to keep these additional concessions for South Yorkshire residents and visitors to the area, but we had to agree our budget for the coming year first. I am really pleased that we have found the money to enable us to do this.”
Roy Wicks, Director General of South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive which administers the concessions scheme, said: “The introduction of free travel across England for senior citizen and disabled people is a great idea as it gives passengers the freedom to use their passes on buses wherever they are.
“However, in order to claim this concession people will need a new pass. We have written to 225,000 people across South Yorkshire inviting them to apply for a new pass.
“If you have not received a letter don’t worry it’s not too late. Visit your nearest Travel South Yorkshire Information Centre, with some proof of your age and address. You will need to bring a passport-size photo – two if you haven’t already got a pass. Our Customer Services Officers will be happy to help.”
To watch what happened at the Transport Authority meeting on Thursday (February 7), please visit www.southyorks.gov.uk and click on the webcasting page.