Disabled may pay more for buses in morning rush hour
FARES for disabled bus users could soon double in Lancashire.
Lancashire County Council has launched a consultation on proposals to increase fares for residents who hold a disabled NoWcard from 50p to £1.
T h e changes would only affect journeys before 9.30am on weekdays, with the mandatory national concessionary travel scheme ensuring that travel is free for pass holders after 9.30am and all day on weekends and bank holidays.
A proposal to consult on the plan was agreed by the county council’s cabinet in January and people are now being asked have their say before a final decision is made.
A consultation on the proposal opened on Monday, March 26 and will run until Monday, May 21.
County Councillor Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Like many councils, we are facing an extremely challenging financial position, with a forecasted funding gap of £144m in 2021/22.
“We’re committed to providing the best services we can, particularly to the most vulnerable in our communities, which is why we offer a concession to disabled NoWcard holders to travel outside the times mandated by the national scheme.
“To help us reduce the pressure on the budget, we’re proposing to increase the charge to travel before 9.30am on weekdays from 50p to £1.
“However we don’t want to make a decision before considering how it will affect people, and I’m grateful for people taking the time to respond to the consultation over the coming weeks.”