Free travel in South Yorkshire
As well as being your local MP, I am also Financial Secretary to the Treasury. Last year, part of my Treasury role was to led the preparations for the Chancellor’s 2005 Budget announcement of free local bus travel for pensioners and disabled people, and the extra £350 million to fund the pledge.
Following its introduction, early reports show a big increase in the numbers of people using public transport in the county. Passenger figures from the Transport Executive, First Group and Stagecoach, have shown a 15-20% rise in the number of pensioners and disabled people using local buses.
These early figures show Gordon Brown’s policy of free travel is popular and successful. Many pensioners and disabled people are using public transport more often. This is good news, and early indications are that those people who are eligible are now travelling further and more often than ever before.
People who live in South Yorkshire who are eligible for the scheme can also benefit from free travel on local train and tram journeys in the county. Some free journeys are also available across the South Yorkshire boundary into other areas.
If you think you are eligible and want more information on how to claim free travel on public transport please call the Traveline on (01709) 515151.
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