§ Mr. Ivan HendersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent discussions the Government have had with the transport industry on concessionary travel for those under 18 who are(a) in full time education and (b) unemployed. [51297]
§ Ms KeebleIn recent months officials from both the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions and the Social Exclusion Unit have participated in discussions held by the Commission for Integrated Transport involving the transport industry. These discussions have covered a number of issues including concessionary fares for those under 18. Both the SEU and CfIT will report later this year.
Free travel is provided under the education acts for school children living more than the statutory walking distances from school. Separately, school age children are often allowed half-fare travel, either funded by local authorities or by transport operators on a commercial basis—usually on all journeys they make, not just to and from school or college. Many transport operators offer discounted fares to "Jobseekers". In addition, the Department for Education and Skills is developing the Connexions Card which will offer a range of commercial discounts for all 16–19 year olds. The card will be capable of carrying existing travel concessions and is expected to be available nationally from autumn 2002.