| In preparation for the introduction of a new free bus travel scheme for older and disabled people, Dundee City Council is contacting more than 30,000 citizens to advise them of the project, writes Brian Allison, local government reporter.
The Scottish Executive’s new National Entitlement Card will replace current travel concession passes to provide free travel throughout Scotland from April next year.
To make sure everyone eligible is aware of the scheme, the council is in the process of letting them know about the system and how to get the new card.
At Discovery Point coach park this morning, council administration leader Jill Shimi and depute planning and transportation convener Kevin Keenan were joined by a group of concession pass holders to show what the card will look like.
“The new scheme means cardholders will be able to enjoy completely free bus travel and I would urge all existing bus pass holders to take advantage of the new benefit by following the information in the letters they receive from the council,” Councillor Shimi said.
“We want to make sure all the arrangements have been made for people to receive the new cards in March next year, ready for the April 1 start of the Scotland-wide scheme.”
Councillor Keenan said, “People who have travel concession passes do use buses to get around the city and the new Scotland-wide initiative will be a big boost for them.”
The entitlement card is also a multi-application smartcard to which other facilities can be added — such as library and leisure membership.
Services people who presently have a Dundee Discovery Card will be transferred to the new entitlement card.
Anyone with questions about the new card can call council on 433558. |
