Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted
Detail barriers for elderly and disabled bus users, promoting concessionary pass uptake
Conclusion
The Department does not understand why elderly and disabled people are using buses far less than they used to. The Department could not adequately explain to us why elderly and disabled people have not returned to buses to the same extent as other passengers since the pandemic. The number of concessionary journeys is still 29% lower than in 2019–20. This is much further from pre-pandemic levels than for fare paying passenger journeys, which we heard are nearly at pre-COVID levels. Despite an ageing population and more people being eligible, take-up for concessionary bus passes has fallen. The Department has not identified to what extent elderly and disabled people have chosen to change their travel patterns or whether the barriers that make bus travel difficult for these groups have increased. The Department needs a better understanding of the accessibility of the bus network, and a greater sense of urgency around improving accessibility. recommendation a. The Department should, within six months, write to the committee setting out the specific barriers preventing elderly and disabled passengers getting back on buses and its plans to address them. b. The Department should work with local transport authorities to promote the uptake of concessionary passes.
Government Response Summary
The government committed to working with local transport authorities (LTAs) to promote the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) and ensure accessible application processes. It will embed promotional expectations in guidance and funding conditions, and intends to request evidence from LTAs on their actions to improve promotion and accessibility.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. concessionary bus pass are aware of its existence and can apply easily. The department will continue to work with local transport authorities to promote the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS). This will include embedding the department’s expectations of promotion within all relevant guidance and as a condition of local bus funding local transport authorities will be encouraged to ensure the application process is clear and easily usable by applicants with a range of access needs so that this does not present a barrier to pass uptake. The department intends to request evidence from local authorities of actions they have taken to improve promotion and accessibility.