Connectivity Cabinet Member – Minutes -12 March 2020
4 CONCESSIONARY FARES 2020/21 – PUBLICATION OF FINAL SCHEME – The Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Commercial submitted a report seeking approval of a ‘Final Scheme’ for concessionary fares reimbursement.
On 19 November 2019, the Cabinet Member approved a draft Concessionary Fares Scheme for the 2020/21 financial year (minute 3 refers). Local Public Transport operators were sent a copy of the draft scheme. There had been no objections to continuing with the current voluntary fixed pot methodology. The voluntary fixed pot used the Department for Transport reimbursement calculator as the basis for negotiations.
Smaller operators with infrequent services (e.g. once per week) and community transport providers would have simpler arrangements which 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 following additional discretionary entitlements were currently offered:
• Half price or discounted local rail travel;
• Free bus travel for companions of disabled people who could not use buses and trains on their own, and
• Free bus travel for pass holders all day (e.g. before 9.30am) every day journeys within or from North Lincolnshire.
Resolved – (a) That the ‘Final Scheme’ for concessionary fares reimbursement for 2020/21 be approved, and (b) that in addition to the statutory scheme, the council also continued to provide discretionary enhancements for North Lincolnshire residents, as set out in the report at paragraph 2.3.