Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Thursday, 2 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 November 2000. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will make a statement on the role of taxis under the new arrangements for concessionary fares.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the role of taxis under the new arrangements for concessionary fares. [137261] Mr. Hill: The Transport Bill provides for a statutory minimum local authority concessionary fares scheme for travel on local bus services. However, it is open to local authorities to offer schemes which provide for travel by taxi as an addition or an alternative to the statutory minimum scheme. In particular, schemes based on tokens, which can be used on taxis, can continue to be offered by local authorities, as an alternative to the statutory minimum. The necessary provision is contained in clause 145(6) of the Transport Bill, at present before Parliament.

Secondary information