Investment in older people’s travel keeps lifeline for 25,000 residents for tenth year

Thousands of older and disabled residents will continue to benefit from free and extended bus and rail travel in North Lincolnshire, as councillors confirmed the concessionary travel scheme for another year.

The decision keeps the long-standing scheme in place from April, helping people stay independent, connected and active while supporting local bus services and high streets.

The scheme includes the national free off-peak bus pass, alongside a package of additional concessions that councillors in North Lincolnshire have chosen to maintain for nearly a decade – going far further than the national minimum.

Locally, the scheme includes:

• Free bus travel throughout the day, including early mornings before 9.30am and late night journeys after 11pm for local passholders.
• Discounted local rail fares, and in many cases free local rail travel.
• Companion passes for disabled residents who need support to travel.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is about protecting the things that matter most to local people. Thousands of older and disabled residents depend on free travel to stay independent – to get to the shops, attend medical appointments, see friends and family and remain part of their communities.

“We have deliberately chosen to invest in our older residents to help them stay independent and connected. That investment also supports our town centres and helps keep local bus services viable.

“We promised to go further than the national minimum and we’ve kept that promise for almost a decade now.

“If you are eligible and haven’t applied yet, I would strongly encourage you to do so. The pass helps people stay connected, can be used as a form of identification, and every journey helps support the local services our communities rely on.”

The concessionary offer supports more than 25,000 local passholders, giving them the freedom to travel without worrying about costs or rigid timetables. These enhancements go well beyond the national minimum standards and have been protected locally since they were first introduced in 2017.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for independent families (children), said: “Accessible, affordable travel changes lives. Whether it’s attending vital appointments, staying active or simply getting out for a coffee with friends, this support helps people stay connected.

“For our children with disabilities, independent travel on public transport is a really important life skill that opens up opportunities for them.

“We are working with schools and bus operators to expand our travel training programme so more young people can gain the confidence and skills to travel independently.

“By confirming the scheme for the coming year, we’re giving residents certainty that this support will remain in place at a time when household budgets are under real pressure.”

The scheme will continue from 1 April, taking North Lincolnshire’s enhanced concessionary travel offer into its tenth year.