4.6 C
West Bridgford
Monday, February 10, 2025

Nottingham city £11 million bus and tram concessionary scheme to be approved

The scheme integrates both statutory and discretionary elements, providing free off-peak travel on local buses under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).

Nottingham City Council will approve the Concessionary Travel Scheme for 2025/26.

The scheme is a programme aimed at facilitating accessible and affordable public transport for the city’s elderly and disabled residents.

The report into the scheme will be presented at an Executive Board meeting next week.

The scheme integrates both statutory and discretionary elements, providing free off-peak travel on local buses under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).

Off-peak is defined as travel between 9:30 am and 11:00 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and bank holidays.

- Advertisement -

Additionally, Nottingham residents will benefit from discretionary enhancements:

  • Free Tram Travel: City residents with a valid concessionary travel pass can use the tram network during off-peak hours.
  • Companion Pass Facility: Eligible disabled residents, such as those with severe mobility or learning disabilities, can travel with a companion free of charge.
  • Pre-9:30 am Travel for Disabled Residents: Disabled pass holders can travel on buses and trams free of charge before 9:30 am on weekdays, funded by the government’s Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP).

The estimated cost of the scheme for 2025/26 stands at £10.883 million. A significant portion of this—£9.354 million—is dedicated to statutory travel, funded through the council’s Revenue Support Grant (RSG). The funding has faced pressures due to rising costs and reductions in central government support in recent years.

The discretionary tram travel element is projected to cost £1.429 million, while the companion pass programme will require £100,000. Travel for disabled residents before 9:30 am is funded through a separate BSIP allocation.

This scheme aligns with Nottingham’s Local Transport Plan, which seeks to create a world-class, low-carbon transport system. The plan also supports the National Bus Strategy’s objectives of revitalising public transport usage and enhancing local transit options.

Public transport responsibilities will transition to the newly established East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) by April 2026. This regional body, backed by £1.5 billion in government funding, will manage concessionary travel schemes across the area.

During the two-year transition, Nottingham’s scheme will remain under review, with potential amendments to align with regional standards.

The Department for Transport has recently updated its reimbursement guidance to reflect changes in travel behaviour post-COVID. This ensures transport operators are compensated fairly for concessionary passengers, adhering to the principle of leaving operators “no better and no worse off.”

By retaining the tram travel benefit and companion pass, the council prioritises accessibility, especially for residents with mobility challenges. Nottingham’s tram system, designed for universal access with low floors and level boarding, is a vital link for many vulnerable residents. Removing these benefits would create barriers, increase isolation, and contradict the city’s strategic objectives.

For updates, residents can review the council’s published statutory notice by 3 March 2025. The scheme will officially commence on 1 April 2025.

Follow The Wire on TikTok, Facebook, X, Instagram. Send your story to newsdesk@westbridgfordwire.com or on 0115 772 0418

Categories:
 

 

Latest