The NoWcard scheme provides passengers aged over 65 or those with a disability the ability to travel free of charge on any off-peak local bus service throughout Lancashire, including areas such as Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool. This benefit is part of the broader English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, which the government has recently renewed. However, Lancashire County Council (LCC), which administers the NoWcard program across the county, has proposed changes that could affect certain bus pass holders.
Currently, in addition to the national scheme, LCC offers an extra discount to disabled NoWcard holders, allowing them to travel before 9:30 a.m. on weekdays for a reduced fare of £1. This add-on, which has been in place since 2011, allows disabled passengers more flexibility to use public transportation in the early hours. The national scheme, however, only covers free travel after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays. LCC’s proposal to cut this extra benefit comes as part of the council’s broader savings package aimed at addressing financial challenges.
According to County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, LCC’s transport leader, local authorities nationwide are facing significant financial pressures, forcing them to make difficult choices to ensure financial sustainability. The removal of this additional discretionary concession is seen as a necessary measure to maintain the council’s budgetary balance. Swarbrick emphasized that this proposal does not impact the core elements of the NoWcard or the national travel scheme itself, which will continue to provide free off-peak travel. However, the loss of the early morning £1 fare option would affect disabled individuals who rely on public transport during these hours for work, medical appointments, or other essential activities.
LCC is now seeking public input on the proposed change before making any final decisions. Swarbrick encouraged people who hold a disabled person’s NoWcard or who have friends or family that do to share their opinions on how this change could affect them. The council is eager to gather a range of perspectives through a consultation process before moving forward.
Once the consultation period closes, the results will be compiled into a report and presented to the county council’s cabinet for a final decision. The consultation is open until Monday, November 18, and people can submit their views by completing a short survey available online at the Lancashire County Council website (lancashire.gov.uk/haveyoursay). For those who require the survey in an alternative format, such as large print or braille, LCC has made accommodations, offering assistance via telephone at 0300 123 6734.
This proposed cut is part of a larger trend seen across local governments, where financial constraints are leading to reductions in discretionary spending. Many local authorities are grappling with how to balance the needs of their most vulnerable residents with the necessity of maintaining a sustainable budget. For Lancashire, which has long offered this extra early morning discount, the proposal signals a shift in priorities as the council seeks to manage its resources more conservatively in the face of growing financial pressure.
While the core benefit of the NoWcard remains intact under the national scheme, the loss of the £1 early travel option would create a significant impact on those who rely on early bus services. Many disabled individuals may need to travel before 9:30 a.m. for work, medical appointments, or other commitments, and the removal of the discounted fare could pose both financial and logistical challenges. For those living in rural areas where public transportation options may be more limited, the ability to travel at a reduced rate earlier in the day can be critical.
The council’s move has already raised concerns among some community advocates and service users, who argue that cutting this service could disproportionately affect those who are most vulnerable. For some disabled individuals, public transportation is the only viable option for independent travel, and the removal of this concession could restrict their access to essential services and opportunities. Community groups have emphasized the need to consider the real-world impact on those who depend on these services for daily life.
The consultation process is a key opportunity for the public to voice their concerns or support for the proposed change. By participating in the survey, disabled NoWcard holders and their families can ensure that their experiences and needs are taken into account before any final decisions are made. The county council has stressed that it is keen to hear from as many people as possible, ensuring that the final decision is informed by the voices of those who would be directly affected by the policy change.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to maintain or remove the £1 early morning travel discount will rest with the county council’s cabinet. Their decision will likely reflect the delicate balance between the financial realities facing local governments and the needs of the community, particularly its most vulnerable members. For now, the public has the opportunity to shape that decision through their participation in the consultation process, ensuring that the voices of those who rely on the NoWcard scheme are heard.