Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks is urging the disabled and over 60’s in South Wales to claim their free bus passes, and to make the most of the local bus services in the area.
Figures obtained by Plaid Cymru show that 214,350 concessionary bus passes were issued in South Wales in 2009-10. In Bridgend there are 28,050, Caerphilly (36,435), Cardiff (60,526), Merthyr Tydfil (13,343), Rhondda Cynon Taf (49,873) and Vale of Glamorgan (26,123).
The scheme was introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government scheme in 2002.
Anyone who is over 60 or registered as disabled is entitled to a free bus pass from their local authority. They can use it at any time of the day and are entitled to travel on all local bus services in Wales. The pass can also be used on some long-distance services.
Chris Franks, who represents South Wales Central, added: “The scheme has given many pensioners and disabled people new opportunities to get out and about without worrying about the costs and Plaid in Government have continued to fund the bus pass scheme despite the big cuts in Wales’ budget.
“I want to make sure that none of my constituents lose out on this fantastic scheme that has drastically improved the welfare and mobility of elderly and disabled people.”
