Free bus pass funding becoming 'nearly impossible' for councils, warns the LGA as journeys fall to 12 year low

Funding free bus passes is becoming “nearly impossible” for councils, the Local Government Association has warned, as the number of journeys taken falls to a 12 year low.

Older and disabled bus users have been told by the LGA that subsidising free travel while having to find billions of pounds worth of savings and protect other vital services is a nearly insurmountable task.

Free bus passes are protected by law for over-65’s and disabled customers, but with less money being committed by the government councils are struggling to fulfill their statutory duties of providing good, reliable services with passenger numbers dropping significantly.

Local authority bus budgets in England and Wales were slashed by £20.5 million last year - the eighth consecutive annual cut.

Bus travel has fallen to its lowest demand since 2006, and ten per cent fewer journeys being taken than ten years ago.

The latest Department for Transport figures show 1.2 billion local bus journeys were made between April and June in Britain, compared to 1.33 billion between July and September in 2008.

Since 2008, the average bus fare has increased by 55 per cent, but Conservative councillor Martin Tett, the Local Government Association's transport spokesman, said: "It's nearly impossible for councils to keep subsidising free travel while having to find billions of pounds worth of savings and protect other vital services like caring for the elderly, filling potholes and collecting bins”

"The way the concessionary travel scheme is funded by Whitehall has not kept up with growing demand and cost. By giving councils control over the Bus Service Operators' Grant, and properly funding the free bus pass schemes the Government could help us support and maintain our essential bus services, reduce congestion and protect vital routes."

The government says: “In addition to the bus pass scheme, the government provides £250 million every year for bus services in England, £40 million of which helps to fund routes that may not be commercially viable but which are considered socially necessary - ensuring people are connected with their local services and communities.”