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Dept for Transport

Answer

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action the Government is taking to assist older people in rural communities who do not have access to a car. [138164] Mr. McNulty: We are providing specific funding to improve public transport services for rural communities generally, including many of direct benefit to older people, without access to a car. This funding is supporting new and improved scheduled bus services and the development of more flexible transport solutions such as demand responsive buses, dial-a-ride schemes and shared taxis. These developments will be further assisted by the forthcoming introduction of regulation changes to make possible the registration of flexibly routed local bus services which will also be entitled to receive Bus Service Operators Grant. We are also making legislative changes to improve older people's ability to access public transport. We have introduced the national statutory minimum concessionary fare scheme for older and disabled people. This guarantees half fare travel on local bus services with a free pass and covers rural areas which previously had no concessionary fare scheme. Also from 1 April 2003 we have ensured that concessionary travel schemes are available to men aged 60-64, bringing them into line with women of the same age. We have also introduced regulations to ensure that public transport is designed to meet the needs of older people with mobility problems.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

138164; 413 c438W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Access Government assistance Older people Public transport Transport Rural areas

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk