Concessionary Travel

Mr. Jim Cunningham
19. To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans the Government have to extend concessionary travel to forms of public transport other than buses.

Ms Rosie Winterton
We expect all travel concession authorities to introduce smartcards for the new concession. We have provided authorities with around £31 million for the introduction of these cards.

Tim Loughton 
21. To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what formula she has used in determining full funding for the concessionary bus fare scheme for pensioners when it is implemented nationally.

Ms Rosie Winterton
The chosen formula, following the Department's consultation last November, is based on data on eligible population, bus patronage, overnight visitors and retail floor space. Of the four options presented in the consultation, there was a clear preference for Option 4. Our proposed distribution amends this slightly to take account of the responses.

Jeff Ennis 
24. To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what meetings she has had with bus user groups to discuss the forthcoming free off-peak national scheme for concessionary bus fares.

Ms Rosie Winterton
I have undertaken meetings with stakeholder groups, including bus users, both at regional and national level. These discussions covered a range of issues, including the new national bus concession.