Caithness.org News Bulletins

Aug 2002 Index

Caithness.org News 2002 Index

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September 2002

INTRODUCTION OF FREE BUS TRAVEL IN HIGHLAND
Free travel will be available for pensioners and people with disabilities for all bus journeys made within The Highland Council area from 30 September.

The Council has gone beyond the Scottish Executives minimum requirement and allowed free travel all day - not only after 9.30 am.  The only journeys to be charged for are cross-boundary trips, where the half-fare concession is still available as far as Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Oban.  Journeys reserved in advance, where a half fare is available, will also apply.

On busy routes some extra buses will be provided to allow for the expected growth in traffic.  Announcing the scheme, Chairman of TEC Services, Councillor Charlie King, said: "I am very pleased to be able to announce this new scheme, which will be of great benefit to Highland Travel Card holders. This has been made possible by Scottish Executive funding and a lot of work by the Council to negotiate the best deal possible for Highland residents."

Current Travel Cards do not have to be replaced but new applicants should apply at any Council Service Point, Library or Post Office.  At present a fee of £1.50 is charged but from 30 September cards will be issued free.