Report calls for free travel to boost rural areas

06 August 2008
 
Young people must qualify for free transport, while concessionary travel on trains and community transport should be offered to older people living in rural Wales, a report by assembly members recommends.

The report, entitled Poverty and deprivation in rural Wales, welcomes the free bus pass scheme for older people, but is concerned that those in rural areas are not able to take sufficient advantage of the scheme.

Evidence from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau suggested its clients often got into debt due to the costs of running a car, so an integrated, accessible and affordable transport system was considered vital.

The rural development sub-committee, therefore, has recommended the Welsh Assembly Government broaden the free bus pass scheme, where adequate bus provision is not available, to allow concessionary travel on trains and community transport schemes.

Transport was identified as one of the major issues facing young people in rural areas, with children’s groups asking for more regular and direct buses which drop-off at the cinema or other places enjoyed by young people. The benefits of a two-year pilot scheme, which provided free transport for children and young people in three counties in Wales, was highlighted by Welsh children as a process that could be extended to other areas.

The creation of additional cycle paths, more lighting and better traffic control in more isolated areas is also recommended.

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