7 Concessionary Travel
- Transport Scotland data in April 2008 shows 26 per cent of the adult population owning a concessionary fare pass
- Respondents aged 70 - 74 were the most likely to hold a concessionary fare pass
- Respondents in large urban areas were the most likely to own a concessionary fare pass and to use it regularly than respondents in rural area
- Respondents with a full driving licence were less likely to own a concessionary fare pass than those without a full driving licence
7.1 The National Concessionary Travel Scheme was rolled out across Scotland in April 2006. The current scheme enables individuals aged 60+ or with certain types of disabilities to travel free on buses across Scotland. Prior to April 2006 the scheme enabled pass holders to travel free during off-peak hours within their own region and the scheme was not run centrally.
7.2 Transport Scotland data in April 2008 shows 26 per cent of the adult population owning a concessionary fare pass (1,090,992 passes issued by April 2008; GROS adult mid-year 2007 population estimate of 4,227,249). [ Table 49]. This is consistent with 2006/2007 SHS data, which shows 28 per cent of adults (16+) owning a concessionary fare pass in 2006/2007. [ Table 47].
7.3 SHS respondents aged 16 - 59 were the least likely to hold a concessionary fare pass and respondents aged 70 - 74 were the most likely to hold a concessionary fare pass. The percentage of respondents over 60 years old without a pass varied with age, with those aged 60-64 the least likely to own a pass.
7.4 In 2007, women were more likely to own a pass than men (84 and 79 per cent, respectively) and were more likely to use it regularly (at least twice per week) than men (33 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively). [ Table 48].
7.5 Sixty-eight per cent of employed respondents 60+ owned a concessionary fare pass in 2007 and 19 per cent used it on a regular basis.
7.6 Respondents in large urban areas were the most likely to own a concessionary fare pass and to use it regularly than respondents in rural areas (43 per cent and 8 - 14 per cent use pass regularly, respectively), likely due to proximity to efficient bus services.
7.7 Respondents with a full driving licence were less likely to own a concessionary fare pass than those without a full driving licence (79 per cent and 86 per cent, respectively) and significantly less likely to use a pass on a regular basis than those without a licence (18 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively).