Review of the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People
When the Scotland-wide Scheme was established in 2006 the then Scottish Executive agreed with the Confederation of Passenger Transport, on behalf of bus operators, that the Scheme would be subject to a Review during year three of its operation. This Review took place during 2008/2009 and considered how the scheme had been operating from its introduction.
On the commencement of the review the Scottish Government made a commitment that all those currently benefiting from the scheme would continue to do so.
The Review was taken forward by a Steering Group, comprising representatives from the Scottish Government's Transport Directorate, Transport Scotland and the Confederation of Passenger Transport. A number of organisations and individuals were also invited to provide written comments. The Review began in June 2008 and considered:-
- How effectively the scheme is meeting the objectives set for it
- How the present scheme is meeting the needs of particular groups of bus users, including disabled people
- How best to improve access for injured ex-forces veterans
- How the practical operation of the scheme can be improved
- The implications of any extension to the scheme Whether the scheme is delivering value for money to the taxpayer
The Review was completed in March 2009. The report of the Review was published in May 2009 and can be viewed on the Scottish Government's website at www.Scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/05/19093131/0
In addition, an Evaluation of the National Concessionary Travel Schemes in Scotland was carried out by the Halcrow Group Limited on behalf of the Scottish Government. This looked at both the Older and Disabled Persons Scheme and the Young Persons schemes. Its findings were taken into account by the Review. The Halcrow report was published in May 2009 and can be viewed on the Scottish Government's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publication/2009/05/13144419/3