THE IMPACT OF CONCESSIONARY BUS TRAVEL ON THE WELLBEING OF OLDER AND DISABLED PEOPLE

摘要

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the concessionary bus pass scheme forolder and disabled people in Britain. The scheme currently offers those aged 61 and over andthose with disabilities free off-peak local bus travel across the country. The scheme hasevolved from ad hoc local schemes through half-price local travel and free local travel. Itcosts the taxpayer over £1 billion ($1.6 billion) a year. There have been calls for the schemeto be abolished or reduced in scope in order to save public expenditure. However, the schemeis very popular with those who hold Concessionary Travel Passes (CTPs) and more generally.The paper commences with a brief description of the scheme, then the take-up rate isconsidered and how it has increased over time. The effects on the travel behavior of older anddisabled people are then discussed in terms of changes in trip patterns, trip purposes andmodal usage. The paper examines the evidence on the benefits that CTPs offer their holdersin terms of quality of life, health, social inclusion, the process of ceasing to drive and accessto local services, all of which contribute to wellbeing. The paper also considers the widerbenefits to society of CTPs and the value placed upon them. Whilst it is not possible to put amonetary value on all the benefits, it is clear that they are large and need to be considered inany discussion about abolishing or amending the scheme.