Companion bus pass return in West Berkshire faces setbacks due to budget constraints and a pending government review.
They requested £145,000 for discounted travel in 2025/26. The council wants to wait on a government review. This review is for national travel schemes. They need to find money first. Councillor Marsh suggested reintroducing the passes. He said they help disabled residents a lot.
He noted surrounding areas have these passes. These areas sometimes allow travel between them. Marsh thinks the national government could fund the passes. He feels not having them discriminates against some residents. The council spends £480,460 on discounted travel now. This pays bus companies for these trips.
The council expects more details about a government grant. This grant helps improve bus services. Other councils’ passes cause concerns. West Berkshire needs to discuss reciprocal travel with those councils. West Berkshire has many discretionary passes. Older people hold 17,600 of these.
Disabled people have 1,026 passes. The council reimburses these pass holders for £424,185.06. Helpers must buy tickets now. Bus companies offer discounted tickets for users. Two main groups can get discounted travel. These are older people and eligible disabled people.
People get this when they reach state pension age. Marsh wants West Berkshire to match nearby areas. Some areas offer companion passes. Bracknell Forest does not provide them, but Hampshire does. Hampshire requires proof of travel need due to disability. Hampshire allows free travel for the pass holder and helper.
This applies on buses starting in Hampshire. Wiltshire and Oxfordshire also allow free helper travel. Reading offers companion passes. Slough doesn’t offer similar access. Wokingham only lets those with disabilities travel alone.