Fresh calls for free off-peak bus travel to Nottinghamshire veterans

Nottinghamshire Council approved plans in January 2022 to assess whether the scheme could be rolled out.

However, no progress has since been made and the authority has also overhauled the way it makes decisions.

The previous transport and environment committee, which was in place until last year, approved a recommendation to investigate the veteran scheme, but a change from the committee to cabinet style of governance took place last spring and the council has not yet carried out the work.

Now councillors have asked for the assessment to be carried out.

If successful, the bid could mirror a similar scheme in London giving former soldiers and veterans access to an Oyster card with free access to transport, allowing veterans to travel on buses across the county free of charge in thanks for their service.

The latest meeting of the council’s place select committee approved plans for a discussion over the scheme.

Derek Higton, council interim corporate director for place, said: “We can report back to the next meeting of the committee on the potential implementation of concessionary arrangements for veterans.

“It would be helpful, in that respect, to get access to details of the London scheme so we can follow up and report back on it.”

Speaking in the transport and environment committee in January last year, Gary Wood, the authority’s head of highways, said the council would have to cover costs for the scheme.