Free bus travel perk for over-65s and disabled passengers likely to continue for a further year

                                     

Bus rise perk is much appreciated by many disabled and older passengers

THE scheme that allows free bus travel for North East Lincolnshire's over-65s and disabled passengers looks set to continue at least for another year.

At a cabinet meeting February 12, members will be recommended to approve continuation from1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

A report states: "Councils have a statutory duty to provide free bus travel for eligible pass holders to a statutory minimum level. 

"Public transport operators (locally, it is Stagecoach) are compensated for revenue foregone and for any net additional costs incurred as a result of operating the national scheme in accordance with criteria established by the Department for Transport."

Particularly in the wake of the brouhaha over withdrawal of winter fuel support for pensioners, it was never likely that the Government would dare to scrap the free bus travel perk.

The concession has the support of NELC which further states: "The Concessionary Fares Scheme contributes towards the council’s strategic objective of a Stronger Economy by maintaining the provision of a sustainable public transport network for eligible residents.

"The scheme also contributes to the council’s ‘Stronger Communities’ objective by maintaining access to health, community, shopping and other services for eligible  passengers.

"This has a positive impact on health and wellbeing."

When it was first introduced in 2008, the concession was not available until after 9.30am, but this restriction was dropped in June last year.

The concession is only available on bus services in England - not those in other parts of the UK.