MP urges Hull residents to sign up for free national bus travel

Hull North MP Diana Johnson has called on Hull's senior citizens and disabled people to sign up for the new nation-wide free bus travel scheme.

Since 1 April 2008, everyone who is disabled or over the age of 60 has been entitled to free off-peak bus travel anywhere in the country.

This is an extension of Hull's local bus travel scheme, first started in Hull by Labour councillors in April 2005. This allowed free off-peak local travel to over-60s and disabled people within Hull.

People over 60 or registered disabled who want to find out how to get the new bus pass should contact Hull City Council on 01482 300300.

Teaming up with Secretary of State for Transport Ruth Kelly to alert Hull pensioners to the new passes, Diana Johnson MP said: "The Labour Government has listened to what older and disabled people want and is extending free bus travel to over-60s and disabled people all over England.

"I am proud that Labour councillors in Hull led the way three years ago in pioneering free local bus travel within Hull and that the Labour Government is building on this throughout England, with extra funding.

"Pass-holders visiting Hull can now use our buses for free and pass-holders from Hull can use their pass if they visit relatives or go on holiday to other parts of England. For example, they could use the bus pass to visit places like York, Scarborough or Beverley.

"I want to make sure that the 47,500 Hull people eligible for the scheme get their new national bus pass and start enjoying the new freedoms that it offers."