Central Scotland MSP Christina McKelvie has welcomed an announcement from the Scottish Government that the concessionary fares scheme, which already covers older and disabled passengers, has been extended to include Scotland-wide access for injured forces veterans.

Commenting on the announcement Ms McKelvie said:

“This is really good news. It is only right that the concessionary scheme be extended to injured veterans who have bravely served our country.

“The SNP Government has guaranteed all the existing rights to free or concessionary travel – and extended the service further.

“Working together, with support for veterans, pensioners and the disabled, we are able to get more people onto public transport. More people are travelling longer distances on Scotland’s buses at a lower cost, with the average Scot taking 100 bus journeys a year – more than their counterparts in other parts of the UK – and travelling further with every journey.

“The increase in funding for bus services and for concessionary fares ensures Scotland’s bus services have a strong future, as well as making an important contribution to our efforts to hit climate change targets.”

The Scottish Government announced on 26.5.09 that injured forces veterans will be included in the concessionary fares scheme from April 2011 and that older people and currently eligible disabled people will continue to be entitled to free bus travel throughout Scotland. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/05/26122021