§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to extend the concessionary fare arrangements to offer free bus passes to all pensioners. [77844]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 29 October 2002]: The Transport Act 2000 guaranteed that from 1 June 2001 all pensioners have been entitled to a free bus pass allowing half-fare travel on local buses, as a minimum. From 1 April 2003 the concession will also be extended to men aged between 60 and 65. We have no plans to extend these provisions, but the legislation does not prevent local authorities from providing concessionary fare schemes which are more extensive than the statutory minimum.