BUS pass users in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area are being urged to make sure they have their say on the future of the free bus pass in Scotland.

MSP Claire Baker claimed this week that despite promising to protect the bus pass in their 2016 manifesto, the SNP Government has cut £9.5 million from the bus pass budget and are consulting on the future of the scheme.

The Kelty born MSP said that Fife was the first area in Scotland to introduce concessionary travel and Scottish Labour rolled the initiative out nationally in 2006 with 1.3 million people benefitting from the free bus pass.

The public have until November 17 to take part in the consultation.

Mid Scotland and Fife Claire Baker said: “The Scottish Government has cut £9.5 million from the bus pass budget and now Ministers are consulting on its future, refusing to rule out raising the qualifying age from 60 to 65.

“The SNP’s 2016 manifesto promised that the scheme would continue and said nothing about cutting it back. There is no mandate for bus pass cuts.

“Spending on the bus pass represents a major investment in public transport. It prevents social isolation, supports people on low-incomes working up to retirement and helps to sustain bus services across Scotland. That is why I am proud that Fife was the first area in Scotland to introduce it."

She added: “Cuts to the bus pass will hit bus services at a time when passenger numbers are already plummeting. Over the past ten years, the number of passenger journeys has declined by 78 million and a fifth of bus routes been scrapped. "Under the SNP, there has been a decade of decline in bus services and enough is enough.

“Scottish Labour would protect the bus pass, invest in public transport and deliver a new system of bus regulation that puts passengers before profit.

“I would encourage all those who depend on bus services and value the bus pass to make their voice heard in the Scottish Government’s consultation.”

The Scottish Government has said: "We are committed to continuing to provide free bus travel for those who need it the most, and therefore want to look at options to ensure the longer-term sustainability of the scheme so that free bus travel can continue to benefit those who have the greatest need.

"We are also aware of the particular challenges facing younger people and will be asking for your views on our proposal to provide free bus travel to Modern Apprentices and how that might be taken forward. We will also be looking to provide free companion travel for eligible disabled children under five who are not currently covered by the Scheme.

"Whatever happens going forward, if you already have a bus pass, or obtain one before any changes are made, you will not lose it! Those with a bus pass will continue to access the benefits of the Scheme. In addition we will not be making any adverse changes to the existing eligibility criteria for those with a disability".