Safer, Greener & Cleaner Places Cabinet Member – Minutes – 2 March 2018 (Urgt)
23 (23) CONCESSIONARY FARES 2018/19 – PUBLICATION OF FINAL SCHEME – The Director: Operations submitted an urgent report seeking approval for a final scheme for concessionary fares reimbursement. An urgent decision was required because the final scheme must be published by 3 March 2018 in order for it scheme to come into effect on 1 April 2018.
On 30 November 2017, the Cabinet Member approved a draft Concessionary Fares Scheme for the 2018/19 financial year. Local Public Transport operators were all sent a copy of the draft scheme. No-one had objected to continuing with the current voluntary fixed pot methodology. The voluntary fixed pot used the Department for Transport’s (DfT) reimbursement calculator as the basis for negotiations.
Smaller operators with infrequent services (e.g. once per week) and community transport providers had simpler arrangements. This was permitted in the guidance.
The council also offered and funded additional travel entitlements using discretionary powers from section 93 of the Transport Act 1985. The council currently provided the following additional discretionary entitlements:
Half or discounted local rail travel;
Free bus travel for companions of disabled people who cannot use buses or trains on their own; and
Free bus travel for pass holders all day (e.g. before 9.30am) every day on journeys within or from North Lincolnshire.
Resolved – (a) That the final scheme for concessionary fare reimbursement for 2018/19 as attached to the report be approved in accordance with the DfT guidance and timescales, and (b) that in addition to the statutory scheme, the council continue to provide the following discretionary enhancements for North Lincolnshire residents:
Free travel on local bus services before 9.30am and after 11.00pm Monday to Fridays;
Free or discounted local train travel; and
Free bus travel or discounted local rail travel for companions of disabled people who cannot use buses or trains on their own.
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