Petition launched that tackles transport costs for carers

A petition has been launched that aims to change the mind of the Government and to issue a free concessionary transport travel card for carers.

Amanda Macdonald, who created the petition said that transport costs are a massive issue for carers.

Many carers face huge financial difficulty and as a result of the costs are unable to get around as much as they should.

The simple task of getting to shops, collecting medication from the chemist or doing many other things that come as part of the daily routine that carers face on a day to day basis.

Amanda said: “The cost of travel may not seem a lot of money to many, however, on average across the UK it costs £4 per adult, with a day pass, to travel on the bus. This adds up to £28.00 a week which is a huge amount compared to the amount a carer receives.

“Having concessionary travel or even a discount on travel, for carers, would be a huge benefit to so many careers.”

Carers can travel for free if they are with the person they are caring for, but most of the time carers are travelling by themselves, carrying out tasks like going to the shops and collecting medication.”

Amanda says that the well deserved social life of a carer is also hit as they can not afford to get around by public transport.

She said: “45% of young adult carers (18-25) have reported that they have mental health problems due to their caring role and the struggles they face because of it.

68.8% of older carers say that being a carer has an adverse effect on their mental health.

“This could be lessened by such a small change like concessionary or discounted travel. For young people aged 16-19 or in full time education who have a young Scot card you are entitled to a discounted rate of travel, however, this discount is only valid on single journeys. In most cases this is no use to a career as they are making return journeys especially if they are in further education and have a long distance to travel everyday or do not live with the person they provide care for.

“Some carers have to travel many miles just to visit the person they care for if they are in specialised hospitals or care homes.

“This is why I feel so strongly about getting support for carers when it comes to transport. I hope that carers and decision makers will get behind this campaign and help to change so many people’s lives for the better.

“Some other supporters of my petition include; Cosla, The coalition of carers, Carers UK, Enable Scotland and many MSP’s.

“Is free concessionary transport for carers really too much to ask for when carers dedicate their lives to provide care to others?”

You can sign and share Amanda’s Petition here: http://bit.ly/2tpe6m9.