New Bus Pass Will Open More of the Countryside for Disabled People in the North West
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. And three stunning North West attractions are in the list of National Trust sites hoping to see more visitors following the launch of the new concession scheme.
They are: Tatton Park, a neo-classical mansion set among 1,000 acres of deer park near Knutsford in Cheshire; Fell Foot Park, a beautiful country park at the edge of Lake Windermere at Ulverston in Cumbria; and Dunham Massey, a Georgian mansion and grounds near Altrincham, Cheshire.
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).
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.accessforall. 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, said:
"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 the North West and further abroad. 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 added:
"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.
Notes to editors:
Below is a list of all National Trust sites across England accessible by local bus with improved disabled access which can also be found at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/accessforall
Devon and Cornwall
1. Trelissick Garden
2. A La Ronde
3. Buckland Abbey
4. Castle Drogo
5. Finch Foundry
6. Lydford Gorge
7. Antony
8. Cornish Mines and Engines
9. Glendurgan
10. Levant Mine
11. St Michael's Mount
12. Old Post Office Tintagel
13. Trelissick
14. Trengwainton
Wessex
15. Barrington Court
16. Dunster Castle
17. Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum & Village
18. Montacute House's gardens
Thames & Solent
19. Ham House
South East
20. Nymans Garden
East of England
21. Anglesey Abbey, Garden & Lode Mill
22. Peckover House & Garden
23. Sheringham Park
24. Sutton Hoo
West Midlands
25. Dudmaston
26. Shugborough
North West
27. Dunham Massey
28. Fell Foot Park
29. Tatton Park
Yorkshire and North East
30. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
31. Gibside
32. Nostell Priory and Parkland
33. Wallington
National bus concession
For further information on the new England wide Bus Concession, including details on how to register, people aged 60 or over, or eligible disabled people, will need to contact their existing pass provider. They can log on to http://www.direct.gov.uk/buspass if they are unsure who this is.
The new bus concession
From 1st April 2008, people aged 60 or over, or eligible disabled people, whose principle residence is England, will be able to take advantage of free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England. Off-peak is 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays and anytime on weekends and Bank Holidays.
The new statutory entitlement will give up to 11 million eligible people more freedom and independence, greater access to vital services such as hospitals and shops, and the opportunity to travel more economically when visiting friends and family living in other parts of England.
The England bus concession covers free off-peak local bus travel in England for people aged 60 or over, or eligible disabled people. It does not cover national coach travel or other modes of transport. However, individual Travel Concession Authorities (TCAs) are able to extend the travel benefits (such as to tubes, trains and all day travel) at their own discretion. These additional benefits are funded by the relevant TCA and so are likely to be available only to people living in the TCA's area.
England Bus Concession Background
In 2000, a half price off-peak local bus travel statutory minimum concession was introduced in England for people aged 60 or over or eligible disabled within their local travel area. In 2006, this was extended to free off-peak local bus travel. From 1st April 2008 the concession will be extended to free off-peak local bus travel throughout England. The Government is providing additional funding of £212 million a year from April 2008 to fund the England-wide bus concession.
Getting a new bus pass
Outside London, eligible concessionaires will need to replace their existing local bus passes with new England-wide passes. These will be issued by their local TCA.
In London, concessionaires will not get a new pass. Instead, their existing Freedom Pass will be re-stickered with the England concessionary logo in order to show eligibility for the England wide bus concession. London concessionaires will continue to enjoy the same benefits as they currently do when travelling within London. When travelling in England outside London their pass would be valid only for off peak local bus travel, in line with the England concession. Concessionary pass holders from outside London would, when in London, enjoy free travel only on buses.
People are advised to contact their local pass provider or visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/buspass for details of any local benefits or for more information on the England concession and eligibility.
The National Trust
The National Trust Access for All
* More information on the 'Admit One' card can be obtained from the National Trust's Access for All office. Please contact 01793 817634 or accessforall@nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.
* True to its 'for ever, for everyone' mission, staff at the Trust's historic houses and gardens are working with disabled people all over the UK to design sensory trails, touch tours, virtual tours and other inventive methods so everyone can enjoy a National Trust day out. Before visiting, simply call the National Trust property you wish to visit to find out what is on offer.
* Information for People with Disabilities 2005 is available in full at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/placestovisit. It is also available free to the public by calling 0870 458 4000 or via email request at accessforall@nationaltrust.org.uk
The National Trust is Europe's biggest conservation organisation and looks after special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland for ever, for everyone. People and places are at the heart of everything it does. 3.5 million members, over 49,000 volunteers, 500,000 school children, and millions of visitors, donors and supporters help the Trust look after 300 historic houses and gardens, 707 miles of coastline and 250,000 hectares of open countryside
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