News from Vale of Clwyd Labour

Surge in free bus passes for pensioners in Wales

Pensioners and disabled people are snapping up free buses in Vale of Clwyd, new figures show.

Figures supplied by the Assembly Members Research Service to Ann Jones show that, in Denbighshire alone, the number of passes issued to pensioners and disabled people – thanks to the Labour-led Assembly Government scheme – has increased from 5,250 to 19,294 since 2001-02.

Nationally, a record 612,559 concessionary passes were issued in 2008-09.

Ann Jones AM said:

“I am delighted with the number of eligible passengers using the free passes.

“Free bus travel provides an important means of giving independence and mobility back to pensioners and disabled people. This policy has transformed the way pensioners travel and has given a substantial boost to public transport in Wales.

“I encourage all eligible passengers to apply for their pass for free bus travel if they haven’t already done so.”

Other news from Vale of Clwyd Labour

• Labour AM calls on Welsh Assembly to promote local produce - 29 September 2010
• Wales Union Learning Fund under threat of Tory cuts - 25 September 2010
• Teachers and pupils praised for exam success in Wales - 22 August 2010