COMMUNITY DEBATE BUDGET PROPOSAL 2013/14

Title of proposal

Concessionary Travel Consultation

Lead officer

Ken Toye

Reference

TS1CON
  1. Summary of proposal (s)

The proposals that we are consulting on are;
  1. Free concessionary travel (free bus passes) on local bus services will startat 9.30am and stop at 11pmMonday to Friday, withfree travel at anytime during weekends and bank holidays.
  1. Users of South Beds Dial A Ride and Shopmobility will contribute towards the cost of each journey.

  1. Description, background and rationale for this proposal

At present Luton offers the following “extras” on top of the level of service it has to provide by law:
  1. Free travel is available at any timewithin Luton, Dunstable, and Houghton Regis (estimated yearly cost £250,000).
  1. Free travel is also extended to include users of South Beds Dial A Ride (SBDAR) and Shopmobility, for those who are unable or have difficulty using public transport (estimated yearly cost £80,000)
  1. Free travel is also extended to companions of free pass holderswho cannot travel alone (this enhancement is not affected by the proposal).
  • The proposal is to consult on the withdrawal of these enhancements (with the exception of free travel for companions) which cost the Council approximately £330,000 per year. The Council has a legal duty to produce a balanced budget and in the current economic climate needs to consider if the ”extra” voluntary enhancements offer the best possible value for money when considered in the context of meeting the needs of Luton’s free pass holders.
  • The Council hopes to deliver yearly savings of £330,000.
  • If these proposals are introduced, concessionaires will have to pay normal bus fares for travel before 9.30am and after 11pm and those who use community transport will have to contribute towards the cost of each journey irrespective of the departure time.
  • If the proposals are not introduced, the Council will need to find the savings elsewhere.

  1. Findings from our draft Integrated Impact Assessment

It is proposed to retain the current scheme and enhancements until the end of March 2014 and any changes recommended following consultation will not be effective until 1 April 2014.
The proposal to remove Luton’s concessionary travel enhancements, for those specified in the annual statutory notice, will have a negative impact on all free pass holdersparticularly those with difficulties accessing public transport and who use community transport.
Free pass holderswho wish to travel during peak periods, before 9.30am and after 11pm Monday to Friday will be able to do so upon payment of the normal fare to the bus operator.
Elderly and disabled people who need to travel early (for early hospital appointments or visits, for example) will be affected and will have to pay to use bus services.
Free pass holderswho currently use South Beds Dial A Ride (SBDAR) and Shopmobilitymay be required to pay a small charge in future towards the cost of each journey.
The proposal is unlikely to have an impact on community cohesion, the built environment or public health (other than access to hospitals and surgeries during early mornings).
  1. Actions we will take to reduce the impact of the proposal

These proposals would come into effect from April 2014 and information would be provided to residents well in advance. Actions to reduce the impact will be considered following consultation with residents and bus operators.
  1. Consultation – how the public and organisations can tell the Council their views

“Your Say”, online consultation process and more targeted consultation with stakeholders who are concessionaires and the public.
We will consult with free pass holders, bus operators, South Beds Dial A Ride and Shopmobility, neighbouring authorities, senior people’s forum and the public (residents)
  1. Potential cash savings and benefits of this proposal

2013/14 Nil
2014/15 £330,000 (and each following year)
  1. For further information on this proposal please contact

Officer name: Ken Toye
Telephone: 01582 548096
E-mail:

Comment on this proposal:

  • as a resident
  • on behalf of an organisation