National Entitlement Card

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Under a joint initiative between the Scottish Executive and local councils, a new National Entitlement card is being introduced for free Scotland-wide bus travel for older and disabled people. It will also allow users to travel by rail and subway throughout the current Strathclyde Scheme area at the current concession rates. The new card will replace the existing travel card on 1 April 2006.

Free bus travel is currently on offer for all local residents over the age of 60, with disability travel cards available for people who receive Disability Living Allowance and any carers receiving Attendance Allowance. If you would like to know more about qualifying for free bus travel, you can contact Scottish Passenger Transport Travel Card Unit on 0870 428 8244.

Current holders of a Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme card will receive an application form for the new National Entitlement card in the next few weeks. There is an overlap period when your old card will still be acceptable but you will be required to obtain a new card to continue to enjoy free bus travel.

If you have a travel card with a named ferry route on it, you should keep using your Strathclyde ferry card and renew it when it runs out. You should apply for the new Entitlement card if you wish to make use of the free bus service.

If you have not received an application form yet, please contact the Travel Card Unit on 0870 428 8244. You must then go in person to your local Post Office or SPT Travel Centre with the completed application form, your existing card and a passport sized photograph. If you have changed address since receiving your original card, you must also bring along proof of your new address.

If you need help to complete the form, you can contact our Social Work department on 0141 842 5164. Residents who use our services for blind and visually impaired people can also contact 0141 847 4977 for help. If you are under 26 years of age, you can also have Young Scot membership added to your entitlement card - for more information, call the Young Scot Info line on 0808 801 0338.

Press Release: Thursday 9 February 2006