HC Deb 17 February 1989 vol 147 c408W
Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to increase public transport facilities for the elderly.

Mr. Portillo

Local authorities already have powers under the Transport Act 1985 to make provision for special transport facilities for the elderly and disabled. They can also make grants to improve transport facilities and equipment for the disabled and such improvements often benefit the elderly too.

Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to extend the existing schemes of free of charge public transport for pensioners throughout the United Kingdom.

Mr. Portillo

Local authorities already have discretionary powers under section 93 of the Transport Act 1985 to establish cheap or free travel schemes for pensioners. In addition, private operators such as British Rail and National Express provide travel concessions for the elderly on a commercial basis.