Council to save £760,000 from public transport

Devon County Council is planning to reduce its public transport spending by around £760,000 during 2014/15.

While the majority of the money has already been accounted for there is still around £100,000 in savings left to be found.

While there are currently no plans to withdraw any bus routes the council the council is seeking public opinion on other money saving proposals. 

These proposals include reducing the free travel available to 175,000 pass holders National Bus Pass holders in Devon. This could see bus pass holders pay for travel on special bus services such as the park and ride, the Exeter Chief’s bus and the RD&E bus.

It is also proposed that Bus Pass holders will also only be able to for free at certain times of day and that Devon county Council will charge more for re-issuing  bus passes.

Altogether the proposed changes to the National bus pass scheme are expected to save around £66,000 from the public transport budget.

The additional shortfall is proposed to be covered by introducing a flat rate for under-16 college travel of £500 a year which is expected to save £40,000.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “A lot of work has gone into cutting more than £650,000 from the budget for next year but further savings are needed. It’s clear that difficult decisions have to be taken and we want people to let us know what they think of what is being put forward and if they can suggest any alternatives.

“The County Council is considering a number of options to change the way services are provided and increasing charges for services, rather than removing them entirely.”