{"id":115665,"date":"2025-12-05T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/?p=115665"},"modified":"2025-12-04T21:37:07","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T21:37:07","slug":"travel-perks-disabled-and-elderly-residents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/travel-perks-disabled-and-elderly-residents\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel Perks for Disabled and Elderly Residents Extended: What\u2019s Next for 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The scheme, designed to make travel more accessible, will provide free off-peak bus travel <\/strong>and discounted rail fares, as well as additional support such as companion passes for disabled individuals<\/strong> who require assistance. By going beyond national standards, the council aims to help residents navigate daily tasks, from visiting healthcare providers to staying socially connected with friends and family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Benefits of the Travel Scheme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The continuation of North Lincolnshire\u2019s free travel scheme is expected to support more than 25,000 residents<\/strong>. With free off-peak bus travel and reduced rail fares<\/strong>, the plan is designed to provide local individuals with the freedom to travel without the constant worry of expenses or rigid schedules. This, according to Rob Waltham<\/strong>, leader of North Lincolnshire Council<\/a>, will allow older and disabled residents to remain independent and fully engaged in their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThis is about protecting the things that matter most to local people<\/em>,\u201d Waltham said. \u201cThousands of older and disabled residents depend on free travel to stay independent \u2013 to get to the shops, attend medical appointments, see friends and family and remain part of their communities.<\/em>\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The free bus <\/a>travel extends before 9:30 AM and after 11 PM<\/strong>, offering more flexibility for residents who may need to travel outside of standard hours. For individuals with disabilities, the introduction of companion passes means they can be accompanied by a carer<\/strong> without the added financial burden, ensuring safe and supported travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, the council\u2019s travel support scheme is supplemented with additional measures aimed at helping older residents manage rising costs. These include winter fuel payments <\/strong>and the distribution of energy-efficient appliances<\/strong> to help cut down household bills, thus addressing the broader concerns of cost-of-living pressures that many face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting Independence and Social Connectivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The importance of the scheme cannot be overstated, particularly as it supports older and disabled people who may face challenges in accessing essential services or maintaining a social life without affordable transport. \u201cAccessible, affordable travel changes lives<\/em>,\u201d said Julie Reed<\/strong>, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Communities. \u201cWhether it\u2019s attending vital appointments, staying physically active or simply getting out for a coffee, this support keeps people connected and reduces the risk of isolation<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many in the community, the ability to travel freely means more than just the convenience of getting from place to place. It enables older and disabled people to maintain independence, reducing the need for caregivers or reliance on family members. This increased autonomy also fosters better mental and physical health, helping people stay active and engaged in the world around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Importantly, the initiative supports a long-standing commitment to going beyond the national minimum standards <\/strong>for transport services for vulnerable residents. The council\u2019s decision to continue this scheme reflects a strong desire to protect the most vulnerable members of society, regardless of their income or mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking Ahead: What\u2019s Next for the Scheme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With the draft scheme now published<\/strong>, the next step is a consultation period with local bus operators before the final scheme is confirmed ahead of its launch on April 1<\/strong>, 2026<\/strong>. Operators have the opportunity to comment, and the final decision is expected in early March 2026<\/strong>. If the scheme proceeds as planned, it will be a crucial lifeline for thousands of local residents, especially as they face the challenges of an uncertain economic future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This travel initiative is a vital example of how local councils can improve lives through targeted support, enabling people to lead independent lives and remain active members of their communities. By securing this ongoing assistance, North Lincolnshire is demonstrating a strong commitment to its residents, ensuring that no one is left behind due to mobility or financial constraints.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In a move that promises to enhance mobility and improve quality of life, North Lincolnshire Council has unveiled plans to extend its free travel scheme for older and disabled residents. This initiative, which has been in place since 2017, will continue to offer crucial support for thousands of local people, ensuring they remain connected and independent in a challenging economic climate.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":115667,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-115665","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33","no-featured-image-padding"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115665","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=115665"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115665\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":115666,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115665\/revisions\/115666"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/115667"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=115665"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=115665"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=115665"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}