Thursday, April 7th, 2011
Conservatives criticised for plans to scrap Plaid-delivered free bus pass for disabled
Plaid Cymru has hit out at Conservative plans to scrap free bus travel for disabled people. Currently, as has been delivered over the past four years by Plaid Cymru’s Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones, residents over the age of 60 and disabled persons of any age, including their companions, can travel for free on registered local bus services. Those who qualify to travel for free can travel any time of the day. Whilst the Conservatives have stated they would maintain free bus passes for older people they have refused to make that commitment for others who benefit from the Plaid Minister’s scheme.
Plaid Cymru’s Rhodri Glyn Thomas has called on the Conservatives to support Plaid Cymru in its commitment to safeguard the free bus pass in its entirety.
The Carmarthen East & Dinefwr Candidate, Rhodri Glyn Thomas, said:
“Through our Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones, Plaid Cymru has delivered free bus passes to thousands of people. The difference a bus pass makes to the lives of elderly and disabled people cannot be underestimated. More often than not, it is the only transport these vulnerable people have access to.
“The Tories in Westminster were intent on scrapping the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, and the Tories in Wales have decided to exclude the disabled and their companions from a free bus pass in future. One has to ask at what point will the Conservative attacks end?
“Plaid Cymru has delivered free bus passes for so many people in Wales over the past four years. We want to safeguard the continuation of this service and has committed to doing so as part of a Plaid Cymru Government. Voting Plaid Cymru on May 5th will ensure the service will continue. Why haven’t we had that reassurance from the Tories?
Despite savage cuts imposed on Wales by the Tory-Lib Dem Westminster government, Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones moved swiftly to secure the future of the free bus pass. In addition to this he ensured that the scheme was extended to include seriously injured veterans and servicemen from April 1st.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, added:
“The Welsh Assembly Government’s free bus travel scheme is both successful and popular. The scheme continues to go from strength to strength.
“I have seen the difference this service makes to the lives of people in Wales and want to see that benefit continue for years to come.”
ENDS / DIWEDD
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