Minutes

48       CONCESSIONARY FARES 2022/23 – PUBLICATION OF FINAL SCHEME – The Director: Economy and Environment submitted a report submitted a report seeking approval for a “Final Scheme” for concessionary fares reimbursement.

On 22 November 2021, the Cabinet Member approved a draft Concessionary Fares scheme for the 2022/23 financial year (minute 43 refers).  Local Public Transport operators were all 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’s 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 could not 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” for 2022/23, 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)  Half or discounted local rail travel;

ii)  Free bus travel for companions of disabled people who could not use buses or trains on their own; and

iii) Free bus travel for passholders all day (e.g. before 9.30am) every day on journeys within or from North Lincolnshire.