§ Mr. KempTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to make public transport in the North East more affordable and accessible to those on low incomes. [117943]
§ Mr. HillFor the three years 1998–99 to 2000–01 we are providing £1.3 million a year for additional rural bus services in the North East. In 1998–99 that money provided for 105 new or enhanced services. Further, we have provided £2.3 million for seven projects in the North East as part of the Rural Bus Challenge competitions, which aim to stimulate innovation in rural bus services.
The Transport Bill at present before Parliament contains provisions to guarantee that all elderly people will be entitled to at least half-price travel on local buses; we have recently announced that any associated bus pass will be free of charge. These measures will bring benefit to all regions but will be particularly welcome in areas where at present the local authority offer a less generous concessionary fare scheme, or none at all.
In addition, we have commissioned research to identify transport measures that could help to reduce social exclusion. The research, which is due to be completed shortly, looks specifically at the needs of people on low incomes.