Consultation outcome report
Mandatory Concessionary Fares – maintaining free bus
travel for older people, disabled people and some
injured service veterans
Summary of Responses from Stakeholders
• Between the 10 October 2017 and 12 January 2018, the Welsh Government received 456 unique responses to the consultation questions
• A small majority or 40% of the responses we received said that the Welsh Government should take over responsibility for the scheme, but 36% said that responsibility should remain with local authorities
• 54% argued that the current age of eligibility for free bus travel (aged 60 and over) should be retained
• Of the 406 respondents expressing a preference, 98% supported maintaining the eligibility of disabled people to travel by bus free of charge. 75% agreed that more than one companion should be permitted when required
• Of the 392 respondents expressing a preference, 91% agreed with the Welsh Government approach allowing some injured service veterans free bus travel
• Of the 371 respondents who expressed a preference, 52% agreed that free bus travel should be extended to people who volunteer in the community
• Of 403 respondents who expressed a preference on this question, 95% argued that maintaining travel at any time of day was an important feature of the current scheme that should be retained.
• 50% of respondents expressing a preference agreed that an application fee could be introduced, of whom 78% said that all people who are eligible for the concession should pay the application fee, whilst 14% said that older people should pay, 4% said disabled people and 3% said injured service veterans.
• Of the 394 respondents who expressed a preference, 84% agreed that that the Welsh Government should explore extending free travel to other modes of local public transport
You can read the complete summary of responses HERE.
Our original response to the consultations can be seen HERE.