Reduction in student bus fares.

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A decision made (10.02.06) to treat students in full-time education the same as children aged 12-15 years of age and allow them to travel for 50p on Connex services until 7:00 p.m.

Subject:	Permanent Reduction in Student Bus Fares during holidays on Connex Services
Decision Reference:	MD-T-2006-0012	Exempt clause(s):		N/A
Type of Report (oral or written):	Written	Person Giving Report (if oral):		N/A
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	N/A	Report File ref:		35/9
Written Report Title:	Reduction in Student Fares during holidays on Connex Buses	Written report – Author:		Caroline Anderson – Director of Transport
Decision(s): To approve that, with immediate effect, students in full time education will be treated the same as children aged 12 to 15 years of age and allowed to travel on Connex services throughout the year for 50p up until 7 pm every night on the production of a valid school/NUS photo identification card proving the holder is in full time education.
Reason(s) for decision: Following the successful trial during the 2005/6 Christmas holidays (MD-T-2005-0002 refers), the Minister is keen to encourage students to utilise the bus service all year round by charging them 50p up to 7.00 pm every night. Charging full fare outside term time (as is the case now) would appear unreasonable and is a common complaint amongst young travellers.
Action required: Advise the relevant schools.
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)			Date of Decision:

Reduction in student bus fares.

TRANSPORT & TECHNICAL SERVICES

PERMANENT REDUCTION IN STUDENT FARES DURING HOLIDAYS ON CONNEX BUSES

Purpose of the Report

During the 2005/6 Christmas school holidays, a trial was undertaken to allow students to travel for a flat fare of 50p during the day. The Minister is now keen to formalise this arrangement for all future holidays so that students in full time education are treated the same as children aged 12 to 15 years of age where there is no fare distinction between term times and holidays.

Discussion

The current fare structure is as follows:

Children aged 3 to 11 years 50p flat fare at all times

Children aged 12 to 15 years 50p flat fare until 7.00 pm

Students 50p flat fare until 7.00pm term time only

Prior to the Christmas trial, the Minister advised that he had been approached by a number of students in full time education complaining that they remain students whether it is term time or not and that, although they might have some earning capabilities during holidays, this will never be great. Therefore, to encourage the younger generation to utilise the bus service (which hopefully they will then continue to do), a trial was agreed for the Christmas period to treat students the same as children aged 12 to 15 years old and allow a 50p flat fare up until 7.00 pm when the £1 maximum evening fare would kick in (MD-T-2005-0002 refers).

During the trial, 334 journeys were made by students aged 16 years and over up until 7.00 pm generating £167 income. It is impossible to know whether this was greater than would have travelled during a previous Christmas period as those statistics were not previously gathered. Hence it is also impossible to assess the cost of this trial but it will not be significant – the maximum will be £300 assuming all journeys were additional to previous years and all were at the maximum fare of £1.60.

Positive feedback was received from students and parents alike although there was some confusion over the requirement for an identity card - a school or National Union of Students photo ID card – to prove a passenger’s status. All schools in the Island with a 6th form now issue such cards and making this fare a permanent feature will encourage students to ensure they obtain a valid card ahead of holidays.

By ending the distinction between ‘older’ children and students, the fare structure is greatly simplified and hopefully it will encourage younger people to use the bus service.

The financial effect of this initiative is impossible to assess but unlikely to be significant. However, the positive message this sends out to the public, and the potential bus users of the future in particular, is important.

Recommendation

The Minister is recommended to approve that, with immediate effect, students in full time education will be treated the same as children aged 12 to 15 years of age and allowed to travel on Connex services for 50p up until 7 pm every night on the production of a valid school/NUS photo identification card proving the holder is in full time education.

Reasons for Recommendation

Following the successful trial during the 2005/6 Christmas holidays, the Minister is keen to encourage students to utilise the bus service all year round by charging them 50p up to 7.00 pm every night. Charging full fare outside term time (as is the case now) would appear unreasonable and is a common complaint amongst young travellers.

Actions Required

The Department will advise Connex formally of this decision.
The public will be notified via an advertisement in the JEP as soon as can be arranged.
The Department will issue a media release to notify the public.
All relevant schools will be contacted by the Department so that they are aware of a possible demand for ID cards from students.

Written by:	Caroline Anderson – Director of Transport

Approved by:	John Richardson – Chief Executive Officer

File Ref: 35/9

2nd February 2006