HC Deb 29 January 2004 vol 417 cc467-8W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make provision for pensioners to travel free on public transport during off-peak hours. [151636]

Mr. McNulty

We have no plans to introduce a statutory requirement for pensioners to be able to travel free on public transport during off-peak hours. The current statutory minimum requirement for concessionary travel in England introduced in 2001 ensures half fares for pensioners on local buses, with a free pass. From April 2003, we have extended concessionary travel schemes to men aged 60–64, bringing them into line with women of the same age. Local authorities may make more generous provision, including free travel, at their discretion.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the cost of providing free off-peak travel for pensioners. [151637]

Mr. McNulty

We have made no estimate of the cost of providing free off-peak travel for pensioners on all forms of public transport. However we estimate that the total cost of providing free travel on all local bus services for pensioners would be in the order of £800 million per year.