Kent County Council News Release
Ref No: 273/08 12
May 2008
Bus pass boost for over 60s and disabled people
Kent County Council has stepped in to give over 60s and disabled people a bus pass boost.
Following public demand, KCC’s Cabinet has today decided that the free bus pass should be made available from 9am instead of 9.30am. This is expected to take effect from 30 June.
Kent’s district and borough councils run the travel scheme and they had made the pass valid from 9.30am to reduce costs. Now KCC has set aside £120,000 to initially pay for the extra half hour.
KCC Cabinet Member for Highways Keith Ferrin said:
“We realize that it has been an extra burden for the district councils to carry this additional cost.
“I am pleased, therefore, that the county council has stepped in to help some of our more vulnerable bus passengers with this decision.
“Making the pass valid from 9am will make a big difference. It will mean over 60s and disabled passengers will be able to go to hospital or doctor’s appointments earlier when they are most needed, and travel into town to shop at a more convenient time.”
Cabinet was told there were 260,000 pass holders in Kent who would benefit from the earlier start time.
For further information contact Phil Scrivener at Kent County Council Media Centre on 01622 694013 or e-mail phil.scrivener@kent.gov.uk
More news releases are available online at www.kent.gov.uk/
Last Updated: