Liberal Democrats urge cheaper bus tickets for young people travelling to school or college
Cllr Leigh Coombs (Shortstown) raised concerns on behalf of 16 -18 year olds in Bedford Borough who are sometimes paying for two weekly tickets (to two different bus companies) simply to get to college, or sixth form or training.
Raising issues from a parent who had written to him, Cllr Leigh Coombs challenged the Conservative Executive on progress towards a £1 flat fare scheme for bus travel for young people.
This followed a unanimous vote at Full council on 19th March which backed the £1 flat fare plan. Councillors were hopeful the scheme could be introduced for the start of the academic year in September. However, it is now October, and nothing has been done.
The question revealed the Council would see a report on plans by “the end of the month.” Cllr Coombs commented, “It is encouraging that work has started on investigating this scheme, but I want to stress the urgency of this. Buses are a lifeline for many of our young people, for their work, college and social life. With the cost of living remaining a problem, families are contacting me asking for help on this issue. I am very keen to see this £1 flat fare introduced.”