From November 1, Greater Manchester will extend its Bee Network pilot to allow concessionary pass holders to travel for free on buses at any time of day, following a successful trial in August.
The move aims to make travel more accessible for around 400,000 residents and could become permanent if the results are positive.
However, local authorities in East Lancashire have confirmed that there are no immediate plans to introduce comparable changes to the existing concessionary bus pass arrangements.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has not considered a scheme similar to Greater Manchester’s within existing budget commitments.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, executive member for growth and development, said: “Currently in Blackburn with Darwen, concessionary card holders can travel for free Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 11pm, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
“We also offer a £1 flat fare discretionary fare for blind and disabled passengers travelling before 9.30am – something that is over and above statutory requirements.
“The new Lancashire Combined County Authority will attract greater funding to deliver on transport priorities. The CCA is currently consulting on an ambitious new Local Transport Plan for Lancashire, aiming to improve public transport, build stronger connections across the county including rural access, and develop infrastructure that helps businesses grow.
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“We’re encouraging Blackburn with Darwen residents to use this consultation to give us their views on the draft Local Transport Plan, to help shape future decisions on transport in Lancashire.
“The public consultation is open until 30 November.”
Lancashire County Council, which oversees transport policy for much of the wider county, has also confirmed that it has no plans to alter its concessionary travel scheme.
County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “No change is proposed to our current policy at the present time.
“The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme provides free off-peak travel between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays on local bus services throughout England.
“Anything else offered beyond these guidelines has to be funded by the local authority. Due to significant budget pressures, the county council is unable to fund any additional non-statutory enhancements, over and above the £17m it is already supporting the concessionary travel scheme with, at this time.”
