Stuart McMillan MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that free rail travel for companions accompanying blind National Entitlement Cardholders (NEC+1) will be made a permanent national concession from 1 April 2026.
The decision follows a positive evaluation by Transport Scotland of the year‑long pilot scheme launched in April 2025.
The review found that a significant majority of blind cardholders using the free companion travel increased their number of rail journeys and experienced substantial benefits, including greater independence, increased activity and reduced need for dedicated staff assistance when travelling with a companion.
Stuart McMillan MSP, Convener of the Cross Party Group on Visual Impairment, said:
“This is a landmark decision that will make a real and lasting difference to thousands of blind people across Scotland. The evidence from the pilot is clear: when barriers to travel are removed, people gain independence, confidence and better quality of life.
“I want to pay tribute to the members of the CPG on Visual Impairment whose campaigning, lived experience, and determination have been instrumental in making this a reality. Their voices have helped shape a policy that will benefit thousands of people for years to come.”
The pilot scheme has also been strongly endorsed by Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, who report overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants.
Under the new permanent arrangements, the 8,000 NEC+1 cardholders and their companions will continue to enjoy free travel on ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper services within Scotland, as well as journeys to Carlisle and Berwick‑upon‑Tweed.
The concession complements the free bus and ferry travel already available to blind NEC+1 cardholders.
Stuart added:
“This is another example of how Scotland’s public ownership of our railways allows us to make social‑minded decisions that put people first.
“I am delighted the Scottish Government has listened to the evidence and to the voices of visually impaired people across the country.”
