Have your say on proposed changes to NoWcard transport scheme
People are being asked to have their say on proposals to remove an extra discount available to some NoWcard bus pass holders.
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. This is an English national scheme and there are no plans to change this offer.
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.
A proposal to end the additional concession was drawn up earlier this year, as part of a new package of savings proposals over the next two years.
Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:
"Local authorities across the country are facing considerable financial challenges and uncertainty and we have to make difficult decisions to maintain financial sustainability and resilience.
“The proposals to end the additional discretionary concession for holders of a disabled person’s NoWcard will not affect the core offer.
"We're really keen to hear from people to find out how this might affect them before any decision is made.
"If you use a disabled person's NoWcard, or have friends or family who do, please get in touch and let us know your thoughts on the proposed change."
Following the consultation, a report outlining the results will be presented to the county council’s cabinet for a final decision.
People are being asked to respond to proposals through a short survey, which is available online at www.lancashire.gov.uk/haveyoursay . The consultation closes on Monday 18th November 2024.
You can respond to this consultation online at Have your say (lancashire.gov.uk)
If you need a questionnaire in a different format please telephone 0300 123 6734 or visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/haveyoursay
Notes to editors
More information on Lancashire's NoWcard scheme: https://www.nowcard.org/
NoWcard pass holders living in Wyre can also travel free on Blackpool Tramway during eligible times.
On 23 February 2024 Lancashire County Council's Cabinet agreed to consult on proposals to remove the discretionary extra concession for disabled NoWcard pass holders.
Links to previously issued news releases on the savings proposals:
- https://news.lancashire.gov.uk/news/financial-outlook-looks-brighter-but-council-warns-it-must-tread-forward-carefully18 Jan 2024
- https://news.lancashire.gov.uk/news/cabinet-to-recommend-budget-and-suggested-council-tax-rise-to-full-council8 Feb 2024
Information on the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-travel-concession-authorities-on-the-england-national-concessionary-travel-scheme/guidance-for-travel-concession-authorities-on-the-england-national-concessionary-travel-scheme
The ENCTS scheme is delivered in different ways across England, and some areas may offer additional discretionary concessions for travel on top of the mandatory scheme.
If the discretionary extra discount for weekday journeys made before 9.30am was withdrawn, disabled NoWcard pass holders would be charged the commercial bus fare for the journey. Currently fares are capped at £2 for a single bus journey until 31st December 2024. The government is expected to make announcements in the Autumn statement that may relate to these types of schemes.