Armed Forces veterans could get free bus passes
Councillors voted unanimously to approve the motion to give free bus passes to veterans
At a glance
Armed Forces veterans could soon get free bus travel in Gloucestershire
County Council agreed to draw up options to provide a free pass to all local veterans and service personnel
Councillors voted unanimously at a meeting to approve the motion
- Published
Armed Forces veterans could soon get free bus travel in Gloucestershire.
agreed to draw up options to provide a free pass to all veterans and service personnel living in the county.
Councillors voted unanimously at a meeting on 8 November to approve a motion put forward by Green Party Councillors Cate Cody and Chris McFarling.
"Free bus passes for our county鈥檚 veterans and service personnel would help them financially," said Councillor Cate Cody.
"Especially those without cars who could perhaps get to work or see family and friends aiding their mental health and connectivity,鈥 she added.
Conservative transport cabinet member, Philip Robinson, said the scheme could cost about 拢1m
Bus transport cabinet member Philip Robinson said he broadly welcomed the motion and explained its core sentiment resonated with his side of the chamber, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
But he said it raised an important question over the cost of such a scheme which could cost about 拢1m.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 roughly the cost of four subsidised rural services," he said.
"I don鈥檛 want to be in the position of deciding which four rural services should be dispensed with for an extension in concessionary fares which might not have anything like the transformative effect,鈥 he added.
Mr Robinson said the amended motion was a good way forward and the Conservatives were happy to support it as it would explore in detail the best way to help the county鈥檚 鈥渄eserving鈥 veterans.
Officers will now be asked to draw up options for consideration by all group leaders as part of next year's draft budget.