T1

Legislation Committee No. 3

Response to the Consultation on the National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Transport) Order 2010

Disability Arts Cymru

The concessionary travel scheme in Wales

The concessionary travel scheme in Wales provides free travel on local bus services for disabled people, their personal assistants/carers, and those aged over 60.   A rail pilot scheme is also in operation, providing free travel for eligible pass holders, on the Borderlands and Conwy Valley Lines until the end of September 2010, and on the Heart of Wales and Cambrian Coast Lines until 26 March 2010.

Concern

Disability Arts Cymru is concerned about the potential impact this Transport LCO will have on the many disabled people who benefit from the concessionary travel scheme in Wales. 

The Minister has outlined the possible ways the Government COULD make changes. It has not been stated that it WILL happen if these additional powers are granted however the fact that they state it COULD is enough to raise concern.

The variations include - limiting journeys between authority areas; limiting access to concessionary rates to off peak times of day; limiting or removing personal assistant/carer free (or reduced rate) travel.

The words 'financial burden’ have been used to refer to the loss of money resulting from the concessionary travel scheme. We do not believe that a scheme, which enables many people to live independent lives through access to public transport, should be referred to in such a way and put under threat.

Maggie Hampton

Director

Disability Arts Cymru