The new Concessionary Bus Pass will entitle eligible disabled people, and those aged 60 or over, to travel on local off-peak buses anywhere in England for free, including to some of the country's most beautiful buildings and landscapes.
All easily reached by local bus, with a stop less than half a mile away, the sites offer improved disabled access (including the use of powered mobility vehicles). Sites include Gibside, the ancestral estate of the Bowes-Lyons and its stunning 18th century landscape garden and the impressive Wallington Hall and its 5,260 hectares estate.
Some of these locations also provide reduced admission to visitors travelling by public transport, making a trip from 1st April 2008 even more economical.
A list of the sites can be found by logging on to the National Trust's website www.nationaltrust.org.uk and visiting disability information. Further details on the new national bus concession are available at www.direct.gov.uk/buspass.
Head of Access for All at the National Trust Heather Smith, commented: "We are constantly looking for ways to improve access to our sites and free off-peak local bus travel will provide some of our disabled visitors with an opportunity to use public transport more cost-effectively."
Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said:
"This is another reason why extending the concessionary fares scheme is going to be so important to so many people.
"I hope that those who are eligible will use their pass to visit some of these places because the pass is not just for visiting local shops and services - it can also provide some great days out for those who want to make the most of free off-peak local bus travel."
Leonard Cheshire Disability National Campaigns Coordinator, Lee Webster said: "This scheme is a very positive step towards a fully accessible public transport system. It is now up to transport providers to make sure that all their buses are accessible, so that disabled people can take full advantage of all the cultural and social opportunities available to them."
For further information on the national bus concession including details on how to register, disabled visitors will need to contact their existing pass provider or log on to www.direct.gov.uk/buspass before travelling.
