People in East Sussex using concessionary bus passes have been given some good news – the 9am start will continue when the County Council takes over the scheme in April.
The decision was made on 8 March by councillors at their Cabinet meeting, following a consultation with the public.
Since April 2008, people aged 60 or over and people that are registered disabled have been entitled to free off-peak bus travel throughout England. Qualifying people can apply for a concessionary travel pass, which is shown to the driver on each journey.
Currently, the concessionary bus fares scheme is run by district and borough councils and the grant funding from Government pays only for travel between 9.30am and 11pm. At the moment districts and boroughs allow people who have a pass to travel from 9am, with this extra half an hour funded locally. East Sussex County Council takes over responsibility from district and borough councils for this scheme on 1 April.
Councillor Matthew Lock, Lead Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “Because of the significant financial challenges we face, and uncertainty about Government funding, we were forced to consider withdrawing the discretionary 9am start to the scheme. However, Government has also given local councils the powers to make their own decisions about what is right for the people in their area.
“We know this is something people feel really passionate about, and that’s why we have made the decision today to keep the 9am start. That means people can travel free between 9am and 11pm on weekdays, and all day at weekends and bank holidays. We will also continue to issue companion passes to people with disabilities who would otherwise be unable to use public transport. This allows free travel for one extra person accompanying them.
“And we are making it even easier for people to apply for a new pass. From 1 April, you can apply at any East Sussex library, or your local district and borough office as you do now.
“Retaining the 9am start will encourage people to use the bus and leave their car at home. This will help to reduce our carbon footprint which is one of the aims of our Local Transport Plan. Residents in rural areas who don’t have as regular a bus service as those in urban areas will benefit from this decision as it will help them make an early start. It also means we avoid the situation where people eligible for the pass in East Sussex have to pay to travel whilst people from Brighton, for example, use the same bus route for free.
“Whilst retaining the 9am start will cost more, I believe it is money well spent for the people of East Sussex.”
From 1 April, if you want to apply for a new pass will need to apply in person at any district or borough council office or at East Sussex libraries. Passes due for renewal will be renewed automatically – you will not have to reapply.
source : escc press release 8 march 2011
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