DEVON residents will lose out when a national bus pass scheme is brought in by the Government unless serious deficiencies are overcome, West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox has warned. A recently passed Act of Parliament is supposed to ensure that bus pass holders from across the UK will be able to travel anywhere in the country with full concessionary fares. But Mr Cox says due to the way in which the Government has formulated the distribution of funding for the scheme, from April 1 bus passes within his constituency will only be valid from 9.30am. The companion pass, allowing family and carers to travel free with disabled passengers, currently part of the Devonwide scheme, will also be revoked. The MP has challenged the Government to justify its funding formula and to demonstrate its consideration for the unique problems facing rural areas and transport services. Mr Cox said: 'I am very concerned about the impact these changes will have. The Government cries crocodile tears about "rural proofing" its policies but continues to legislate for the benefit of urban areas, while turning a blind eye to the increased marginalisation and isolation of rural communities.'
