A package of measures aimed at improving cut-price public transport goes before politicians for approval on Thursday (March 25, 2004).
 
Members of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) will be asked to approve a raft of improvements to Nexus' Concessionary Travel scheme which is operated with the cooperation of the commercial bus operators.
 
The 15-strong Authority will vote 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.
 
Proposed measures going before the PTA include a cut-price “Day Rover” ticket, priced at £1.80, that would allow 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 would mean that, in real terms, elderly and disabled passengers could 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 is proposing that elderly and disabled Concessionary Travel pass holders get the same deal with Metro travel.
 
Under the proposal, any two pass-holders would 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.”