Outrage at decision to axe travel tokens

Responding to the proposal by Conservatives on Hampshire County Council to axe travel tokens, leading Lib Dem Councillor John Shaw said:

"This represents a massive cut to some of the borough's most vulnerable residents.

There is a complete failure to acknowledge that many of the bus services in urban areas are very poor or inadequate and unsuitable for frail and elderly residents.

In remoter rural areas, many residents will end up with a fairly useless bus pass."

"The fact is that these proposals represent a massive cut in the amount of money in Basingstoke and Deane supporting transport. The knock on effect will be substantial."

"The priority for the County Council should be to make sure all residents have access to services such as hospitals and major shopping areas. Many of our community bus services, often run by 'big society' volunteers, are dependant on travel token income. These vital services may be lost under the current proposals."

"In Basingstoke and Deane travel tokens provide income of £80,000 for community transport providers and over £540,000 for taxi services."

"The majority of the money that was paying for travel tokens is being taken away by the Conservative-run County Council."

"The last Labour government's financial mismanagement means that local councils do need to save money. However, the priority should be making sure limited resources are distributed fairly."

"Ditching the travel token option is a scandal and an outrage."

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