Usage data sparks debate about who’s benefitting from free fares

More than 100 delegates attended LTT’s concessionary fares conference last week to discuss next April’s changes to bus operator reimbursement in England. The day was dominated by fears that the changes could have a disastrous effect on bus networks.

The Panel session that brought the conference to a close turned into a fascinating ding-dong between supporters of the free fares policy and those who believe it should be scrapped.

Conference chair Andrew Last of consultant Minnerva began the session by  presenting smartcard data from Lancashire revealing the number of bus trips made by passholders over a five-week period. The data showed that 56% of passholders had made no use whatsoever of their passes during this period. Meanwhile, 8%...

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