Concessionary bus pass holders are being asked for their views on proposed changes to the way the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) is run in Cornwall.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) gives eligible older people and people with disabilities free off-peak travel on local bus services throughout England.
Local authorities provide free bus travel to card holders between 9.30am and 11pm Mondays to Fridays and at any time on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
In recent years, Cornwall Council has offered free bus travel to card holders at any time of the day or night. However, with increasing demands on services and budgets, the Council is considering options to bring the scheme into line with the legal requirements.
There were more than 1.3m card holder journeys between April 2022 and September 2022.
The consultation is open to all residents in Cornwall and ends on January 23, 2023.
Find out more about the concessionary bus fares consultationPaper copies are also available from cfsconsultation@cornwall.gov.uk or 0300 1234 222.
Connor Donnithorne, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said:
“There are 115,000 English National Concessionary Travel card holders in Cornwall and we want to hear their views before making any changes.
“This means we have to review non-statutory services, such as providing free travel for concessionary bus pass holders at any time. Under our proposals, card holders will continue to be able to travel for free after 9.30am and before 11pm and at any time on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
“I encourage all ENCTS card holders in Cornwall to take part in the consultation and share your views.”
The results of the consultation will be considered by the Council’s Cabinet in March.
