Elderly Welsh bus users will continue to enjoy free service

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones’ confirmed that disabled and elderly passengers will be able to continue using free bus services around Wales. Jones’ comments came in the wake of the Department of Transport reaching a decision to increase the age of entitlement throughout England. Beginning April 1st, the age will change in conjunction with state pension laws.

However, Mr Jones has reassured Welsh residents that the regulations will not change in Wales and reiterated his position to include servicemen and injured veterans into the free bus entitlement beginning April 1st, 2011.

Jones’ said in a statement that he hopes to reassure current and future bus pass holders in Wales that they will be able to continue enjoying free transport services and can apply for a pass based on age, which will remain at a minimum of 60 years old, despite any changes to pension rules in England.

Additionally, Margaret Everson, Welsh senior office for Bus Users UK, stated that the announcement by Mr Jones was welcome and that the scheme has been largely beneficial to the community. She added that  comments received from elderly and disables users of the scheme make it apparent that the new scheme has had a huge impact on their lives.

It has also been said that the new bus scheme has rehabbed the Welsh bus system, as prior to the scheme the system was facing a serious decline in patronage.