A cheap peak-time bus fare for disabled passengers is set to be scrapped across the Lancaster district – along with free bus passes for some of the area’s young people.
If approved by Lancashire County Council’s cabinet this week, the flat £1-per-journey rate for disabled people travelling before 9.30am on weekdays will be removed.
The discount is currently available to holders of the disabled persons NoWCard, who can travel for free between 9.30am and 11pm Monday-to-Friday and at any time across the weekend and bank holidays.
Should the change go-ahead, the free, off-peak element of the concession would be unaffected.
Meanwhile, free travel for 16-18-year-olds undertaking apprenticeships or those who are not in any form of education, employment or training – as well as young carers and parents – is also facing the axe in the county council area.
The scrapping of both initiatives was first announced in the authority’s budget last year, pending public consultation, the results of which will be discussed at a meeting on Thursday (February 6).
If the schemes are scrapped, the disabled person’s concession will end at the end of March, and the young people’s free bus pass will be phased out through until the end of July.
A report says the removal of the peak-time disabled fare will save the county council £239,000 per year, while scrapping the 16-18-year-old pass will save £155,000.
Speaking ahead of the meeting at which the final decision will be made, County Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Local authorities across the country are facing considerable financial challenges and uncertainty and we have to make difficult decisions to maintain financial sustainability and resilience.
“The proposals to end the additional discretionary concession for holders of a disabled person’s NoWcard will not affect the core offer.
"We're really keen to hear from people to find out how this might affect them before any decision is made.
"If you use a disabled person's NoWcard, or have friends or family who do, please get in touch and let us know your thoughts on the proposed change."
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