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STATES OF JERSEY
CONCESSIONARY BUS FARES FOR THE DISABLED: DISCUSSIONS WITH LIBERTYBUS
Lodged au Greffe on 10th November 2015 by Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade
STATES GREFFE
2015 Price code: A P.140
PROPOSITION
THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion
to request the Minister for Transport and Technical Services to enter into formal discussions with LibertyBus to investigate the provision of concessionary bus passes for those with a prescribed disability, and to bring forward proposals to the States no later than 31st May 2016 detailing both the potential cost implications and the criteria which applicants would have to meet in order to access this service.
DEPUTY M. TADIER OF ST. BRELADE
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P.140/2015
REPORT
It is my belief that there is a general consensus amongst the Public and this Assembly that disabled people, who have particular disabilities, should have access to a bus service which is free. I base this statement on the following: firstly, various media surveys have shown overwhelming public support for this, when the question has been asked recently. Secondly, when Deputy E.J. Noel of St. Lawrence said, on 6th November 2014, that: These [disabled] people need to have access to public transport which is free,' the Hansard notes that his comments were met by Approbation'.
Although initially discouraged by the States' decision to reject my amendment to the seventh amendment to the Medium Term Financial Plan 2016 – 2019 (P.72/2015 Amd.(7)Amd.), which would have seen £100,000 allocated to the eventual provision of concessionary passes, I was encouraged by the closeness of the vote. I also note from reflection on the debate that some members who would otherwise have supported this idea, may have wished to see a fully costed scheme, following discussions with the bus operator.
It is my hope that members will be more able to support this proposition and treat it as an in principle vote', subject to the Minister bringing back details of who would qualify for the scheme, how many, and what the cost – if any – would be.
I would also add that, in order to get things moving, I have been in contact with LibertyBus to discuss moving this forward, and we will be having round table discussions with the Minister shortly to see what may be possible.
Financial and manpower implications
There are no additional financial or manpower implications for the States arising from this proposition.
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