4.         DESCRIPTION OF SCHEME

 

4.1       The concession to be offered by operators participating in the scheme shall be free travel for elderly and disabled people as defined above (Appendix A) on all journeys where the concessionaire boards at or after 0930 and at or before 2300; and on all journeys where the concessionaire boards at any time on a Saturday and Sunday or on any day which is a bank holiday in England under the Banking an Financial Dealings Act 1971; and free travel for blind people as defined above (Appendix A). 

 

4.2       The concession is set to be made available on all eligible services, beginning and ending in the district where the concessionaire resides and has a valid pass issued by the relevant district council. 

 

4.4       It is anticipated that following further discussions and clarification the Authorities will publish further enhancements to the Scheme under the 1985 Act by 3 February 2006.  Any such enhancements will come into effect on 1 April 2006. 

 

4.5       Eligible services are defined as:

 

(a)       All local bus services which operate wholly or partly within Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.

 

(b)       Any other service which in the opinion of the Authorities should be included in the scheme.

 

(c)       Approved community transport and dial-a-ride services

 

4.4       Ineligible bus services are defined as:

 

(a)       Tour buses operating in the City of Chester

 

(b)       Tours and excursions (note: it is recognised that these are not registered bus services)

 

(c)        Long distance coach services such as those operated by the National Express company

 

(d)       Bus services operated to and from Park and Ride facilities.

 

4.6       The County Council reserves the right to use the powers under Section 96 (4) to (6) of the 1985 Transport Act ("the 1985 Act") to exclude from participation in the scheme any service where the fares include a special amenity element, unless the operator has agreed to an appropriate modification of the reimbursement arrangements.