§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what consideration was given to bus and rail travel concessions for the disabled in Scotland and Wales when guidance on this subject was last issued. [2663]
§ Ms KeebleUnder the provisions of the Transport Act 2000, elderly and disabled people in England and Wales are entitled to half fare—or better—on local bus services, and the necessary travel pass must be issued free of charge. Local authorities may offer greater concessions—for example less than half fare, and cheap travel on train or ferry services—if they wish, and many do.
The Transport Act 2000 also requires the Secretary of State to issue guidance to local authorities advising on how the eligibility criteria for disabled people should be applied when applications for travel passes are considered. My Department issued such guidance to local authority associations, the bus industry and disability interests on 31 May. It is available on my Department's website at www.dtlr.gov.uk/itwp/consult/cf/disabled/index.htm.
Concessionary travel in Scotland and Wales is a devolved matter.