Workers use a third of free bus passes

AROUND a third of over-60 free bus passes in Scotland are being used by people still in work, transport industry sources claimed today.

The Scottish Government has ruled out raising the qualifying age to 65, a move which would save an estimated £100 million a year.

One transport source said: “Between 33 and 40 per cent of concessionary travel cards go to people in the 60-65 age group. They use the cards on average three times as frequently as other age groups, with a substantial proportion still in full-time employment.”

The Evening News revealed yesterday that a single adult fare on Lothians Buses is to rise to £1.50 because of Scottish Government cuts.

Meanwhile, East Lothian Labour MSP Iain Gray is to introduce a Bill to strengthen regulation of the bus industry.