James Cunningham

|

CITY MP HAILS FREE BUS TRAVEL FOR OLDER PEOPLE

JIM Cunningham MP today welcomed nearly 60,000 older people in Coventry being eligible for free local bus travel.

Around 20,000 Coventry South residents aged 60 and over are entitled to free off-peak local bus travel, Mr Cunningham has discovered.

The Labour MP is now urging older people to make the most of the concession scheme.

Mr Cunningham was informed of the figures after tabling a Parliamentary Question to Transport Minister Gillian Merron.

He said: “For many older people, bus travel is a real lifeline. That is why I’m delighted nearly 60,000 older people are eligible for free off-peak local bus travel including around 20,000 in my constituency.

“Coventry residents may use their concession throughout the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive area and I encourage everyone eligible to make full use of the free local bus travel scheme.
.
“Buses not only help reduce congestion in and around Coventry, but they also are a benefit in terms of protecting the environment.

“A reliable, efficient and cost-effective bus network in Coventry is important to many people including the 20,000 older people of my constituents who are entitled to free off-peak local bus travel.

“The challenge now is to encourage as many people as possible to use public transport, and ensure constituents receive a good quality service.”

Full written parliamentary question

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many pensioners in Coventry are eligible for the free local bus travel scheme.

Gillian Merron: The number of residents of Coventry aged 60 and over who, from April 1, 2006, are entitled to free off-peak local bus travel is 59,700. In the Parliamentary Constituency of Coventry South, around 20,000 people are eligible. Coventry residents may use their concession throughout the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive area.