Consultation launched on proposed restrictions to bus passes

Wiltshire Council wants to learn residents’ views on proposed changes to concessionary bus fares from next April.

Wiltshire is the only local authority in the region which currently provides all-day concessionary passes to all eligible groups at an annual cost to the taxpayer of almost £4.6m.

The council says it faces significant financial pressures with reduced funding from central government, increased demand and inflation – and these pressures are likely to increase. Savings need to be made to help deliver the council’s priorities.

Residents and interested groups are being asked for their views on proposed changes which will mean that on weekdays Wiltshire’s bus passes will be valid after either 9am or 9:30am.

The changes could save from £133,000 up to almost £300,000 from the budget over a year.

The consultation is available here and will run until 26 September 2014.