Ticketing and concessionary travel on public transport reviewed

The Report inquires into:

• The extent to which integrated ticketing on public transport has been achieved for all users;
• The issues regarding smartcards;
• Arrangements for revenue protection (stopping fare-evasion) which will be affected by new forms of ticket; and
• The impact of concessionary travel in England, which is costing £1 billion per year.

The Committee's conclusions and recommendations include:

• In terms of promoting integrated bus ticketing, the Government has achieved too little of practical value.
• Traffic Commissioners should be given powers to arbitrate where bus companies and local transport authorities disagree.
• Coach travel should be given greater consideration in future statements of public transport policy.
• It is imperative that the full range of tickets, including multi-modal options, be available at all main outlets so that the Government's aim of fare simplification can be better achieved.
• The Government needs to ensure that suitable guidelines on differential pricing is included in decisions on rail fares and rail franchises, with particular reference to smartcards.
• The Government needs to articulate a clearer strategy for the development of integrated ticketing in general, and smartcards in particular.
• The Government should move towards a unified system of public transport revenue protection.
• The Department of Transport should commission an evaluation of the benefits of the national scheme for free local bus travel and that national concessionary travel is properly funded.

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