New bus pass will open more of the countryside for disabled people in Cornwall

New bus pass will open more of the countryside for disabled people in Cornwall

LONDON. March 17, 2008/3mnewswire.org/ -- The Department for Transport and The National Trust have teamed up to identify more than thirty National Trust sites that will be even more accessible to disabled visitors following the launch of the national bus concession in two weeks time.

Launched on 1st April, the new Concessionary Bus Pass will entitle eligible disabled people and those aged 60 or over to travel on local off-peak buses anywhere in England for free, including to some of the country's most beautiful buildings and landscapes.

All easily reached by local bus, with a stop less than half a mile away, the sites offer improved disabled access (including the use of powered mobility vehicles). Sites include areas of national beauty such as St Michaels Mount and Trelissick Gardens in Cornwall.

Some locations also provide reduced admission to visitors travelling by public transport, making a trip from 1st April 2008 even more economical.

A list of the sites can be found by logging on to the National Trust's website http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk and visiting disability information. Further details on the new national bus concession are available at http://www.direct.gov.uk/buspass.

Head of Access for All at the National Trust, Heather Smith commented: "We are constantly looking for ways to improve access to our sites and free off-peak local bus travel will provide some of our disabled visitors with an opportunity to use public transport more cost-effectively."

Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said:

"This is another reason why extending the concessionary fares scheme is going to be so important to so many people.

"I hope that those who are eligible will use their pass to visit places in Cornwall and further afield. The pass is not just for visiting local shops and services - it can also provide some great days out for those who want to make the most of free off-peak local bus travel."

Leonard Cheshire Disability National Campaigns Coordinator, Lee Webster said: "This scheme is a very positive step towards a fully accessible public transport system. It is now up to transport providers to make sure that all their buses are accessible, so that disabled people can take full advantage of all the cultural and social opportunities available to them."

For further information on the national bus concession including details on how to register, disabled visitors will need to contact their existing pass provider or log on to http://www.direct.gov.uk/buspass before travelling.

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