Closed petition PE2188: Extend the National Entitlement Card scheme to include ferry travel for people aged 60 and over

Background information

Living in Orkney, my partner and I rely heavily on the ferry services for our daily necessities. Everything from groceries to healthcare services necessitates travel, as our island has nothing and the costs can quickly accumulate. This reliance is not unique to us; countless residents, particularly older adults, experience the burden of these travel expenses.

Recently, it's come to light that the Scottish Government has not allocated necessary funds to support travel for Orkney's older adults on the boats, which is necessary before we can get on the free buses. This situation has left many residents, who are dependent on the ferry services, in a difficult position. Without financial assistance, these individuals face challenges in accessing essential services outside their immediate vicinity.

The lack of funding for Orkney's elderly travel not only impacts individuals but also threatens the social and economic well-being of our community as a whole.