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4 May 01

FREE BUS TRAVEL FOR PARTIALLY SIGHTED PEOPLE

The Borough of Poole's Executive Committee has voted unanimously to extend eligibility for free bus travel to partially sighted people, under the new Connect concessionary fares scheme.

The decision follows the announcement by bus company, Wilts & Dorset, that they will no longer offer free bus travel to partially sighted people after 31 May. Previously, partially sighted people in the Borough have qualified for a half-fare travelcard from the Council but have been able to travel free on Wilts & Dorset buses through the company's own scheme.

The Council's new free scheme will come into effect on 1 June, to ensure continuous free bus travel for partially sighted people. Blind people already qualify for free bus travel under the Connect scheme.

Cllr Bob Williams, Executive Spokesperson for Environment and Prosperity said: "I am pleased that the Borough has been able to offer free bus travel to partially sighted residents. Under the new Connect scheme, the Council is providing over £500,000 funding for concessionary bus travel to benefit many residents without private means of transport."

Liz Callister, Chief Executive of the Dorset County Association for the Blind, said: "I am delighted that the Council has taken this responsible action. Partially sighted people are faced with the same difficulties as blind people particularly with regard to travel. They can no longer drive and they lose confidence in all aspects of life. Having access to free bus travel provides them with the incentive to adjust to their loss and take part in an active life again."

The "Connect" concessionary fares scheme is available to pensioners and people with certain disabilities. The scheme allows travel at half fare on all local bus services in the Poole and Bournemouth areas and on journeys that start or finish in these areas. Blind people travel free.

For more information and an application form, Poole residents can telephone the concessionary fares Helpline on 634249.

John McVey, Passenger Transport Manager, Tel (01202) 262010