Environment & Transport
26 January 2012
Concessionary transport consultation
People are being urged to voice their views on proposed changes to home to school transport and concessionary travel in the county.
Leicestershire County Council is proposing to save more than £1.3m a year by making changes to the way home to school transport and the discretionary elements of concessionary travel are funded.
Earlier this month the council revealed it needed to find an extra £10m in savings, meaning it now has to save £74m in four years.
In a consultation, the council is proposing to no longer fund elements of home to school transport and concessionary travel that it is not required to provide.
Lesley Pendleton, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: The council has taken measures to balance its budget but, faced with further pressures, we have to make some tough decisions.
We have been funding elements of home to school transport and concessionary travel for older and disabled people above and beyond the national requirements.
However, faced with the further cuts to funding we are now having to look again at this and are asking people to have their say about our proposals.”
Proposals for home to school transport include:
- Withdrawing the school bus subsidy for transport to and from school / college for students aged 16+ and either withdrawing the service or charging the full cost for a guaranteed service
- Withdrawing the school bus subsidy for transport to and from voluntary aided and faith schools and either withdrawing the service or charging the full cost for a guaranteed service
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme entitles elderly and disabled residents to free travel on local bus services between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday, and at any time at weekends and bank holidays.
Leicestershire County Council currently offers the following additional discretionary concessions, which it is proposing to withdraw:
- Free travel for disabled people before 9.30am and after 11pm on Monday to Friday
- Free travel after 11pm for elderly passengers
- Vouchers, worth £33 per year for residents with disabilities who cannot use conventional bus services, and for residents who live over 800 metres from an hourly bus service
- Half fare on Community Transport services
For more on the consultation, which closes on Monday, April 2 visit: www.leics.gov.uk/home_school_transport_concessionary_travel_consultation
NOTE
This consultation does not apply to people who receive assistance with transport as part of a community care assessment
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