01/04/2008
Ticket To Ride For Over 60's
From today around 11 million people across England will be able to travel for free on local buses as the new national bus pass is launched.
The expansion of the previous local scheme entitles anyone aged 60 or over, as well as eligible disabled people, to use their bus pass across England during the off-peak period, that being 9.30am - 11pm weekdays and anytime on weekends or Bank Holidays.
Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said: "For many older or disabled people the bus can be a lifeline - providing access to employment, healthcare and other essential services, as well as allowing them to visit family and friends.
"That is why we have been working hard to deliver an increasingly better deal. The extension of the free bus pass scheme means no older or disabled person in England need be prevented from bus travel by cost alone and I am pleased that we have been able to deliver this major benefit."
Outside London, those eligible will need to replace their existing local bus passes with new England-wide passes. These will be issued by their local TCA.
In London, the existing Freedom Pass will be re-stickered with the England concessionary logo.
Age Concern also wants the passes to cater for pensioners who do not live near a bus route, or who are unable to use buses or trains because of a disability.
A spokesperson said: "Tokens of other transport, such as taxis, should be offered as an alternative.
"This would help older people living in areas without buses and those with health problems for who bus travel isn't suitable."
Some councils feel that the £1 billion of government money is not enough. MP's have also warned that many buses may not be able to read the passes.
(DS/JM)
The expansion of the previous local scheme entitles anyone aged 60 or over, as well as eligible disabled people, to use their bus pass across England during the off-peak period, that being 9.30am - 11pm weekdays and anytime on weekends or Bank Holidays.
Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said: "For many older or disabled people the bus can be a lifeline - providing access to employment, healthcare and other essential services, as well as allowing them to visit family and friends.
"That is why we have been working hard to deliver an increasingly better deal. The extension of the free bus pass scheme means no older or disabled person in England need be prevented from bus travel by cost alone and I am pleased that we have been able to deliver this major benefit."
Outside London, those eligible will need to replace their existing local bus passes with new England-wide passes. These will be issued by their local TCA.
In London, the existing Freedom Pass will be re-stickered with the England concessionary logo.
Age Concern also wants the passes to cater for pensioners who do not live near a bus route, or who are unable to use buses or trains because of a disability.
A spokesperson said: "Tokens of other transport, such as taxis, should be offered as an alternative.
"This would help older people living in areas without buses and those with health problems for who bus travel isn't suitable."
Some councils feel that the £1 billion of government money is not enough. MP's have also warned that many buses may not be able to read the passes.
(DS/JM)
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Official statistics have revealed that students receiving A-level results today achieved an overall pass rate of 98%, with 26% getting grade A or A*. The overall pass rate fell 0.1% for the first time 32 years, government figures show, with a 0.3% fall in those achieving A or A* grades.
A-Level Results Fall For First Time In 32 Years
Official statistics have revealed that students receiving A-level results today achieved an overall pass rate of 98%, with 26% getting grade A or A*. The overall pass rate fell 0.1% for the first time 32 years, government figures show, with a 0.3% fall in those achieving A or A* grades.
14 August 2003
Record pass rates achieved again at A-level
The UK's A-level pupils have once again outperformed their predecessors and achieved record overall pass rates with more students that ever gaining the top grades. The Joint Council for General Qualifications (JCGQ) revealed today that the overall pass rate – Grades A to E – were up 1.1%, from 94.3% to 95.4%.
Record pass rates achieved again at A-level
The UK's A-level pupils have once again outperformed their predecessors and achieved record overall pass rates with more students that ever gaining the top grades. The Joint Council for General Qualifications (JCGQ) revealed today that the overall pass rate – Grades A to E – were up 1.1%, from 94.3% to 95.4%.
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Planned strike action by London bus drivers has been postponed as an "act of goodwill". The strike action was due to take place on Friday and Monday, with drivers walking out across the city's 18 bus companies. Unite the union has called on the bus companies to accept an invitation for talks.
20 August 2009
A-level Students Receive Results
Students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving their A-level results today, as it has been revealed that a record-breaking number of students have been awarded the top A grades. More than a quarter of students - 26.7% achieved an A, an increase of 25.9% from last year, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) revealed.
A-level Students Receive Results
Students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving their A-level results today, as it has been revealed that a record-breaking number of students have been awarded the top A grades. More than a quarter of students - 26.7% achieved an A, an increase of 25.9% from last year, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) revealed.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.