COUNCIL COMMITTED TO HELP OLDER PEOPLE, SAYS BRIGG COUNCILLOR

FROM SARAH HOWE, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire Council is once again protecting the concessionary fares scheme to help enable older people to get out and about and promote independence.
This is a £1.8m investment to ensure people continue to receive free or low-cost travel and was decided at the council’s annual budget meeting on Thursday 1 March 2018.
Eligible residents can benefit from:

• Free or discounted local rail travel
• Free bus travel for companions of disabled people who cannot use buses or trains on their own
• Free bus travel for passengers all day (e.g. before 9.30am) every day on journeys within or from North Lincolnshire.

To find out if you are eligible, please email the Public Transport Team publictransport@northlincs.gov.uk.
Cllr Rob Waltham (Brigg & Wolds), Leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said:  “We are completely committed to helping the older population of North Lincolnshire maintain their independence and feel less isolated. This is a real investment that will benefit lots of people across North Lincolnshire. At a time when many councils have stopped funding concessionary travel, we in North Lincolnshire still see this investment as an important part of our responsibility to our residents. Older and disabled people are a priority for this council.”
Cllr Richard Hannigan, Deputy Leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We actively encourage independence among our older residents and I am pleased that we are able to continue to deliver the scheme. It provides a lifeline for many.”