Minutes

22      CONCESSIONARY FARES 2021/22 – PUBLICATION OF FINAL SCHEME - The Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director: Commercial submitted a report seeking approval for a “Final Scheme” for concessionary fares reimbursement.

On 24 November 2020, the Cabinet Member approved a draft Concessionary Fares scheme for the 2021/22 financial year (minute 13 refers). Local Public Transport operators were all sent a copy of the draft scheme.  There have been no objections 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 would have 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 following additional discretionary entitlements were currently provided:

•         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 passholders all day (e.g. before 9.30am) every day on journeys within or from North Lincolnshire.

The council acknowledged the current situation regarding COVID-19 and the measures in place to reimbursement bus operators for concessionary travel at pre-COVID levels as encouraged by the Department for Transport.

Resolved – (a) That the “Final Scheme”, as set out in the appendix to the report, be approved and (b) that in addition to the statutory scheme, the following discretionary enhancements for North Lincolnshire residents be provided:

i)        Free travel on local bus services before 9.30am and after 11.00pm Mondays to Fridays;

ii)        Free or discounted local train travel; and

iii)       Free bus travel or discounted local rail travel for companions of disabled people who could not use buses or trains on their own.