A new Scotland-wide free bus scheme for older and disabled people will be launched at the beginning of April 2006 by the Scottish Executive in partnership with Scottish Local Authorities and will enhance the existing local travel schemes, which in the Western Isles are administered by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

This new national scheme will include free bus travel across all of Scotland as well as some free ferry trips to the mainland, in addition to the current CNES entitlements to local bus and ferry travel.

To qualify for the scheme applicants must be either over sixty years of age or registered disabled.

The Comhairle’s Transportation Chairman Cllr Donald Manford welcomed the Scheme and said “This scheme is very good news as it will allow eligible people to use their free bus pass at any time of day and on buses anywhere in Scotland. In addition, card holders in the Western Isles will continue to be eligible for the Comhairle’s local inter-island ferry scheme”.

Application forms are available from your local Post office. Completed forms should be returned to the Post Office along with your current CNES travel pass, a recent passport sized photograph and proof of your address such as a gas or electricity bill.

Disabled applicants who do not have a Local Concessionary Travel Pass must first obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Comhairle’s Social Work Department which must be included along with the application form submitted to the Post Office. Certificates can be obtained from the Francis Street Office, Stornoway for residents of Lewis or Harris or the Balivanich Office for residents of Uist or Barra.

Cards will be issued from the 13th February but in view of the likely volume of applications some cards may not be processed until the beginning of March. Interested applicants are therefore advised to apply early.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk