New measures, aimed at improving public transport for the elderly and disabled across Tyne and Wear, have been approved by politicians today (Thursday, March 25, 2004).
New measures, aimed at improving public transport for the elderly and disabled across Tyne and Wear, have been approved by politicians today (Thursday, March 25, 2004).
Members of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) approved a raft of improvements to Nexus' Concessionary Travel scheme which is operated with the cooperation of the commercial bus operators.
The 15-strong Authority voted on recommendations put before them by Nexus, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive, who administer the CT scheme.
The proposals will improve schemes offering cut-price fares on public transport in the area. Disabled passengers will benefit, along with the elderly.
The measures include a cut-price "Day Rover" ticket, priced at £1.80, which allows elderly and disabled passengers unlimited travel on the Metro, Shields Ferry and buses after 9.00 am.
Another measure aimed at the 220,000 elderly and disabled public transport users registered on the Nexus Concessionary Travel scheme would give passengers, who already benefit from half-price bus fares during the day, a further 50% saving on all bus fares after 7.00 pm.
It means that, in real terms, elderly and disabled passengers can travel on evening buses for a maximum fare of 25p.
And picking up on popular supermarket-style "two for the price of one" offers, Nexus proposed that elderly and disabled Concessionary Travel pass holders get the same deal with Metro travel.
Two pass-holders will now be able to travel together on the Metro after 7.00 pm for just 50p.
Passenger Transport Authority Chair, Councillor Danny Marshall said: "The PTA recently approved a revised policy statement giving priority to encouraging more people onto public transport, tackling social exclusion and contributing to local regeneration. These welcome enhancements to the Concessionary Travel scheme will make a valuable contribution to the aims of the PTA."
Date 25 March 2004
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