Free UK-wide bus travel after April 2008?

I understand that from April 2008, elderly and disabled passengers can
travel free by bus anywhere in the UK. Is that literally correct and
does it extend to Northern Ireland and Scotland or is it just England
and Wales? Scotland currently has its own national scheme but it only
applies to Scottish residents and only covers Scotland with extension
to Carlisle and Berwick on Tweed.

Mike Tullett...

The system here in Northern Ireland is very different and I doubt we'd be
entitled to any of these freebies in GB. However, for those over 65 here,
*all* travel is free in the *whole* of Ireland. That includes not only
buses, but trains and a few ferries. Translink, who run most of the public
transport here, actively encourage over 65s to use the free system, as they
are reimbursed about 80% of the fare from government funds.

A return rail fare to Dublin would currently cost me about Ł50 but when I
reach 65 this will be free:-)

I have also heard it said that it only covers "local" buses so that if
I want to go from, say, Leeds to London I have to take a local bus to
Sheffield, another one to Chesterfield and so on and I am not allowed
to jump on a National Express one direct to London.

Tickettyboo...

That would seem reasonable, as is the proviso that it isn't valid till
after 9.30 each day. ( as in the Twirly Brigade) otherwise it would be too
much of a strain on the rush hours when people are going to work

Ali...

[Please Miss! She said it! Boo said the W-word!]

So those of us who will still be on the hamster wheel when we hit 60 (3.3
years to go) will still have to pay or walk? :^(

If anyone has read the small print, perhaps they could enlighten the
rest of us.

noreen...

It is true that from 2008 elderly and disabled can travel free anywhere in
the UK !!! but only on local buses, but I am finding it a boon now so should
be good to
go to anywhere ;-))))

MCC...

See my reply in uk.people.disability.transport which gave this link -
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=192218&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False