News / Travel concession guide axed
SHETLAND’S long-established Guide to Travel Concessions has become one of the first casualties of council efforts to live within its means.
Voluntary Action Shetland expressed its dismay on Tuesday that funding for the leaflet distributed once a year in the weekly paper has been cut.
The Guide to Travel Concessions has been produced for 30 years in conjunction with the council’s transport section.
VAS executive officer Catherine Hughson said: “I am disappointed that the council has cut the grant which allows VAS to continue to work in partnership with the council to produce the Guide to Travel Concessions.
“I fear this is just the beginning of cuts that will affect the voluntary sector in Shetland.”
The booklet contained information on internal and external travel concessions and contact details to enable people to easily access discounts.
It also included information on various travel schemes, many of which were offered free of charge, such as Dial a Ride, the Patient Transport Service, Red Cross transport and WRVS Good Neighbours Community Transport.
Mrs Hughson added: “While I realise the information can be found online, many elderly residents and those without internet access used this publication.
“I am saddened the economic importance of the voluntary sector to Shetland has not been recognised alongside public and private sectors.”
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