More disabled people to get free bus journeys

Wednesday 07 March 2018

More people who live with a disability, or mobility issues, will be able to get free bus journeys following changes to the scheme's rules.

Infrastructure Minister, Deputy Eddie Noel, told the States Assembly yesterday that there was still some money left in the pot as fewer people than expected who were eligible for an Avanchi Access card scheme had taken it up.

Prompted by Reform Jersey politician, Deputy Montfort Tadier, the Minister confirmed that since the new scheme of concessionary bus fares for people who are prevented from driving due to a disability was launched on 1 March 2017, 346 Avanchi Access cards had been issued - with 152 in the first month. 

This was below the number budgeted for – which was based on figures from similar systems in the UK and Scotland - therefore there is some funding left from the allocated amount of up to £600,000 which was taken from the Car Park Trading Fund.

The pilot bus fare scheme is due to run until the end of 2019, but although Deputy Noel branded it "a great success" he said he’s brought forward a review of the scheme and will relax the current “narrow” eligibility guidelines which limits free bus travel to those with long-term, permanent or chronic conditions. He explained this will enable “a bigger pool of people being able to access this service.”

Pictured: Deputy Eddie Noel said he is going to "widen" the eligibility criteria for the disability bus pass to enable more people with mobility problems to access it. 

Reform Jersey questioned whether the Avanchi Access card scheme up-take was lower than anticipated due to the £15 cost of the bus pass. Deputy Noel said he didn’t believe the administration fee “is a barrier” as it is the same price as a blue badge disabled parking disk for drivers, and rejected the idea to get rid of the initial card fee.

The Minister said the department has also invested in lower kerbs and better bus shelters along with the new scheme, but he is looking into investing in ways to improve mobility access.

“A bus service is not the only answer for all disabled people with mobility issues… we are looking at other alternative ways to help with their mobility issues” said Deputy Noel.

The review on the pilot bus scheme has been brought forward to the end of 2018.