Conclusion

Overall, the evaluation suggests that the Scheme is highly successful and valued. The results show that the Scheme is largely meeting each of the objectives, driving modal shift and contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions, improving physical health, mental health and wellbeing for cardholders, and tackling inequalities. In general, it operates smoothly for both bus operators and cardholders, although a few areas were flagged to deliver direct improvements to the Scheme. The findings show that the Scheme is well used, with most survey respondents using it with some regularity. The Scheme is also used for a wide range of purposes and provides a variety of benefits.

There were differences in some results, largely by card type and the extent to which households were experiencing financial difficulties or not. In particular, disabled cardholders found it more difficult to get information about the Scheme, and the application and renewal process was more difficult for this group. Disabled cardholders were also more likely to experience difficulties with physical access to buses, and were more concerned about safety and anti-social behaviour. However, they also appeared to experience the benefits to a greater extent, for example saving larger amounts of money, improvements in access to services, and improvements across the health and wellbeing measures.

The Scheme was described as excellent by those who use it, and as a ‘life-line’ for many. However, for those with no access to services, or where services did not run when or as often as needed, where direct routes were lacking or services were unreliable or slow, or presented accessibility challenges, the value of the Scheme was severely diminished. Better service provision and more accessible services would be needed in some areas, or expansion of the Scheme to support wider travel options (such as discounts on taxis or the inclusion of S19 door-to-door community transport services), in order to ensure greater equity in people’s ability to access, use and benefit from the Scheme.