From 21 May 2017, people aged 60 and over who currently benefit from Highland Council’s rail concessionary travel scheme are being advised that half fare rail concessions for the majority of entitled Highland residents will cease.

Free travel remains available by bus, and card holders are advised to keep their entitlement cards which can still be used on bus routes throughout Scotland.

The decision to cease funding concessionary rail travel was made by Highland Councillors at the Council’s 2017/18 Budget meeting on 16 February 2017 – see Booklet B (page 46).

The Council’s budget gap for 2017/18 has been identified at £20.344m and the decision to remove support for concessionary rail travel is anticipated to realise £0.120m savings which will help the Council to deliver a balanced budget in 2017/18.

The budget decision will not affect:
• blind and visually impaired people who are entitled to the National Blind Travel Scheme; and
• people who require a companion when travelling due to disability (Identified by “+1” on their entitlement card).

Half fare rail concessions for all other currently entitled Highland residents will cease.

Residents of the areas served by the Far North, Kyle and West Highland lines can purchase Highland Railcards for £9 per year, which gives them the same discount on these routes only. People age 50 and over can apply for a Scotrail Club 50 card. For details on Scotrail railcards available visit the Scotrail website at: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/offers/railcards

New applicants for concessionary travel can apply at any Highland Council Service Point, the Council’s Service Centre or a Post Office. Information about the scheme is available at https://www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/60plus-and-disabled/