Carolyn Keene reports:   Isle of Wight bus passengers have been finding out how the new England-wide bus concession, will benefit the lives of residents aged 60 or above and eligible residents with disabilities.

Eligible Island residents, Gillian Langton and Colin Palmerton, are excited by the new concession and believe the new bus pass will provide them with greater freedom and independence.   Island residents are required to register for their new pass by 1st April 2008, to continue to take advantage of free off-peak bus travel in their local travel authority and enjoy the new national benefits.

The new entitlement will extend free local off-peak bus travel to anywhere in England and will open up many opportunities for local people by making it easier to visit shops, services and attractions outside of the Isle of Wight.   The one card will be recognised across the country and entitles pass holders to the same free travel anywhere in England that they currently enjoy locally.

Gillian said:

“I hope to use the new bus pass to visit my daughter in Brighton and see friends and exhibitions in London. I could even visit relatives in Guildford on the bus instead of by train. The national bus pass will give me more options and make me feel that I could do more interesting things.”

Fellow resident and regular bus passenger, Colin Palmerton, described what benefits he hopes to enjoy from the new pass. Colin said:

“As a visually challenged person this scheme will open up a whole new world that has previously been severely restricted by the cost of travel. It means I’ll have a much greater level of independence.

“I will be able to travel to the mainland to see friends and family and visit places that I previously haven’t had the chance to enjoy.”

For more general information about the national concession, Click HERE:.

From 1st April 2008, people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled whose principle residence is England, will be able to take advantage of free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England. Off-peak is 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays and anytime on weekends and Bank Holidays.
Isle of Wight Community Information @Island Pulse.