Overview
- Transport minister Simon Lightwood said there are no current plans for national rail discounts for NHS staff.
- The government said councils can use existing 2025/26 bus funding to create local fare concessions for NHS workers.
- Autumn 2024 allocations include £955 million for buses next year, with £712 million going to local authorities.
- The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme costs about £700 million annually, and expanding eligibility would require careful financial assessment.
- Independent MP Shockat Adam asked Heidi Alexander to assess the cost of a national NHS free travel pass, prompting the DfT’s written response referencing a possible future review under Great British Railways.