To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will bring forward proposals to introduce a pilot scheme for concessionary bus travel for young adults between the ages of 17 and 25 years. (263564)

[holding answer 13 March 2009]: There are no plans to make concessionary travel a statutory entitlement for young people. At present 48 per cent. of young people walk or cycle to school and there is a risk that a blanket England-wide concession could encourage young people who currently walk or cycle instead to take the bus.

Local authorities can use their existing powers to offer local concessionary travel to young people and many do offer some kind of concession. We believe local authorities are best placed to make this decision, based on their own assessment of needs and circumstances.