§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the total cost to local authorities of introducing half-fare bus travel for all pensioners. [91449]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonOur estimate of the additional costs of introducing in England our proposed minimum standard for concessionary bus fares for pensioners is approximately £25 million a year.
§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the half-fare concessions scheme for pensioners will apply to forms of local passenger transport other than buses. [91410]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonOur proposal for a national minimum half-fare scheme for pensioners applies only to bus travel. It will remain open to local authorities to provide concessionary travel on other forms of local transport if they judge it right to do so in the light of their local policies and circumstances.