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Extension to bus travel pass deadline
CONCESSIONARY
travel pass holders using old style passes can still do so up until
July 31 – as Merseytravel continues to deal with the huge influx of
new applications for the new English National Concessionary Travel
Scheme (ENCTS). Merseytravel has so far issued more than
271,000 of the new style passes – which includes almost all existing
pass holders and a surge of new applicants.
The 2-month extension is being put in place to ensure no one misses
out on the advantages of the new scheme. The new ENCTS passes
allow holders to travel free on any local bus services throughout
the country. For pass holders in Merseyside, it also includes
free travel on the Merseyrail network and the Mersey Ferries.
Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, said:- “This
extension is being put in place to ensure people can still travel
for free whilst we deal with the vast number of new applicants who
see the benefits of the new scheme and, quite rightly, want to take
advantage of the benefits it brings. Since its launch in
April, the government inspired scheme has opened up tremendous
opportunities for travel around our country.”
Neil Scales, Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel
said:- “We’ve contacted all of the bus and train operators
about this extension, which is there to ensure no one misses out on
the benefits of the new scheme. We have seen a huge increase
in new applications as word has spread about the benefits. Our
ticket unit, travel centres and phone lines have been inundated with
extra applications so it has been a huge effort from everyone
involved.”
More than 6 million cards have been distributed nationally as part
of the scheme, which allows those who are eligible, aged more than
60 and those with a disability to travel off peak on local buses
anywhere in England.
Anyone with queries about the new travel passes can contact the
Merseytravel Ticket Unit on 0151 236 6056. |
BII
Comments On The Release Of The Youth Alcohol Action Plan
JOHN McNamara,
chief executive of BII, the professional body for the licensed
retail sector, commented on the Government’s Youth Alcohol Action
Plan:- “We welcome the focus that the announcement of this
plan puts on increasing awareness of alcohol and the dangers of its
misuse to young people and to their parents. Ultimately, any
campaign of activity which encourages responsible drinking; among
young people and the wider population, is a good thing.
As the professional body for the licensed trade, BII has always
played a key part in alcohol education. Last summer we launched our
ground-breaking Schools Project; a three-pronged initiative which
includes a dedicated website (www.theschoolsproject.co.uk),
sponsored alcohol awareness quiz sheets and the BIIAB Level 1
Certificate in Alcohol Awareness (CAA).
The CAA is fully accredited by the Qualifications & Curriculum
Authority (QCA) and meets the need for alcohol education in the
National Curriculum, as well as giving those who successfully pass
the examination a nationally recognised certificate.
Over 100 schools are now involved in the BII Schools Project, over
500 pupils have taken the CAA and we estimate around 20,000 young
people are using the leaflets in a variety of different ways.
Clearly, there is much work to be done in this area and we are
continually evaluating the Schools Project to ensure it is effective
and is achieving its objectives. We will be using our knowledge and
understanding of the issues surrounding alcohol education to feed
into the Government’s consultation process on these latest
guidelines.” |
