Young and older people in Stone are set to benefit from new schemes that will provide free and subsidised travel across the county.
Staffordshire County Council will give free 24/7 bus transport to people aged over 65 or with a disability plus a carer. In addition under-20s will get the right to travel anywhere within Staffordshire for just £1 per journey.
The plans will formally be considered by the county council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 16th February.
Council leader Philip Atkins said: “We want people to find getting around the county as simple and affordable as possible. This will increase employment prospects and allow people easier access to educational, leisure and social activities. It is good for prosperity and good for the people of Staffordshire.”
The 24/7 travel for older residents and people with disabilities is the first of its kind to cover the whole of Staffordshire. It will replace eight different schemes administered by district and borough councils, including Stafford Borough for Stone residents.
The card for under-20s will be known as the Your Staffordshire Card. It will allow anyone aged under 20 a one-way trip for £1 anywhere in Staffordshire. This will be regardless of their educational status and will apply to weekends and school or college holidays. The Your Staffordshire Card will be expanded over time to offer a host of wider benefits and discounts for young people.
If the plans are accepted by Cabinet the older and disabled people’s scheme kicks off from 1st April – and young people will be able to register for a card in April and May, with the cards coming into action in June.
Older residents in Stone would be able to access their enhanced new passes via Stone library, by calling 0300 111 8000 or at the council’s website. Passes will be valid from April 2011. Details about how young people can get their passes will be announced by the county council soon.
