January 19.

In his letter Mr Macdonald asks about possible changes to

concessionary travel in Strathclyde in view of the proposed reform of

local government (January 15).

The current concessionary travel scheme operates regionwide with a

budget of approximately #18m. Participating operators receive

compensation based on the difference between what would have been paid

in the absence of the scheme and their income for a concessionary fare

of 25p for 10 miles of travel. It would substantially erode the benefits

and purposes of the scheme if travel were to be restricted to the areas

relating to the new unitary authorities. If each unitary authority had

its own scheme, the purpose of the scheme would be largely lost in many

areas and there would be considerable confusion to the public and bus

operators alike, bearing in mind the likely differences in benefits

which would emerge.

This could be particularly stressful if one considers the large

numbers of more vulnerable people being served by the scheme. In

addition, the oncost to bus operators, who would be required to deal

with a large number of authorities, would be significant; differences in

practices and in reimbursement arrangements would inevitably give rise

to conflict.

The supporting administrative arrangements would be much less economic

and efficient and indeed the administrative complexity could deter some

authorities from implementing anything other than a token scheme.

Malcolm Waugh,

Chair, Roads and

Transportation Committee,

Strathclyde Regional Council,

20 India Street,

Glasgow.