15 August 2016
The Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Eddie Noel, has signed a ministerial decision to introduce a scheme that would provide concessionary bus passes for people whose long-term disabilities prevent them from driving.
The proposed scheme is subject to funding that will be debated in the States Assembly later this month.
In February 2016, the States Assembly unanimously accepted a proposition regarding concessionary bus fares for people with disabilities. Deputy Noel was charged with bringing forward proposals before 1 September 2016.
To qualify for a disabled concessionary bus pass under the pilot scheme, a person must
- be a Jersey resident (for at least the last 5 years)
- have a disability that would prevent them from being able to drive
- be aged 5 years or over and not entitled to an older person’s pass (under 5 year olds have free bus travel, as do holders of older persons' bus passes)
Subject to States approval, funding of up to £600,000 would come from the Car Park Trading Fund. The pilot scheme will run from early 2017 until the end of 2019. Further details will be announced when the funding has been agreed and the scheme finalised.
The pilot scheme will be reviewed in early 2019, to assess whether the scheme is meeting the transport needs of Jersey residents with a disability.
Deputy Noel said “The States has been working on a disability strategy to try to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Providing mobility is a very important part of this. We recognise that this scheme, while benefitting a significant number of Jersey residents, will not benefit those who, although being eligible, are not able to get to and from accessible bus stops, for example. We hope there will be sufficient funding to allow us to explore alternatives for these people as well.”
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