| An estimated 26,000 of the 30,000 people in the city who qualify — the disabled and those over the age of 60 — have applied for the new National Entitlement Card, launched on Saturday.
The Evening Telegraph was at Dundee bus station to hear what the public think of the Scottish Executive scheme.
A random sample of travellers gave politicians the thumbs up.
Helen Eadie (78), who was heading to Fife, said, “I’m travelling with my friend today to see my sister in St Andrews.
“I do normally go across, but this saves me a couple of pounds. It’s about time I would say.”
Dundonians Helen (64) and Dave (66) Brand were boarding a bus to Edinburgh, a journey they’d usually make by car.
“We will definitely use it from time to time — not every week, but now we have it we’ll certainly take advantage,” said Dave.
The Brands’ travelling companions, Rosemary Peter (69) and husband Bill (71), travelled from their home in Deeside to join them on the day trip.
“I work as a volunteer with Age Concern Scotland and all the people I speak with there think this is a great thing,” said Rosemary.
“We have come here with our friends and are going over to Edinburgh for the day. We’ve just left the car and are taking advantage of this new card.”
Bill added, “You don’t like parking the car in strange places, so this is good. This is the first time we’ve done this.”
Pensioners William and Margaret Brasher from Glenrothes were about to make the second leg of their journey to Arbroath.
Margaret said, “We come to Dundee quite often. Today we’re going to Arbroath and we’ve never done that before. This pass is good for trips like this.”
The new passes have replaced old concessionary cards and can also be used to apply for library and leisure membership, as well as taxicards. |
