Cabinet to discuss changes to NoWcard and Young Person's Transport schemes
Proposals to remove an additional discount available to some NoWcard bus pass holders will be discussed this week.
The NoWcard concessionary travel scheme allows free bus travel for pass holders between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
Currently, fares are capped at £3 for a single bus journey until 31 December 2025.
Since 2011, the county council has funded a discretionary element to the national scheme by allowing disabled person's NoWcard holders to travel before 09.30am Monday to Friday for £1.
On Thursday 6 February, cabinet will consider a recommendation to withdraw the additional offer, taking into consideration the views obtained during a public consultation held last year.
If approved, it will equate to an annual budget saving of £239,000.
Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:
“It's important to stress that this decision will not affect the core NoWcard offer.
"People who are eligible for that will still be able to access free bus travel between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays
"We understand that some people will be disappointed to be losing the additional concession, which has always been an extra offer on top of the national scheme.
"In an ideal world we would keep this indefinitely but unfortunately we have to make some difficult decisions to maintain our financial sustainability and resilience.
"Local authorities across the country are facing the same challenges and we have to carefully consider where our limited funding is being spent.
"All journeys are capped at £3 and we will continue to invest in our bus network through our Bus Service Improvement Fund to ensure we provide excellent value for money for our residents."
Councillors will also be asked on Thursday to approve that the Young Person's Transport Scheme be ceased at the end of this academic year, effective from 31 July 2025.
If approved, all current travel pass recipients or those who have requested renewals will still be able to use and renew their passes for as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
If the proposal is approved it will save £155,000 that will be used to support other statutory services, including school transport, which will help lots of families across the county.