New Travel Perks For Elderly and Disabled

ELDERLY and disabled people will be able to travel free on local buses from next April.
The Government has asked all councils, including South Oxfordshire District Council, to allow people aged 60 years and over and disabled people to travel free on local buses. But SODC have gone further and, instead of just allowing free travel within the district area, those who qualify will be able to use their bus passes to travel free to Oxford, Reading, Abingdon, Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough. The passes will be able to be used from 9am instead of 9.30 am as previously and disabled people who need someone to help them use buses can ask for a pass for their travel companion.

However, the District Council will have to find some additional money to provide this new service and will be reviewing eligibility for its travel tokens by focusing on those most in need. (The Cabinet will be making a decision on travel tokens at its January meeting, using feedback from parish councils and the results of a public survey).

NB
Because of a lack of use by local people, the current contract and funding arrangements for the two, linked Dial-a-Ride and Lewknor Taxibus services, will come to an end on January 28.