§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to implement a nationwide scheme of concessionary bus fares for pensioners; what impact this scheme will have on pensioners currently receiving travel tokens of a fixed monetary value; and if he will reimburse local authorities in full for the costs of implementing and administering the scheme. [55433]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonOur White Paper 'Transport: The Way Ahead' proposed a minimum concessionary fare scheme for pensioners of half fare for bus travel, with a maximum £5 per year charge for a bus pass. Implementation of this proposal will depend on Parliamentary time being found for the necessary primary legislation. There will be consultation with local government and other relevant organisations about what future arrangements there should be for token schemes and other aspects of the proposal, including finance.