The term ‘concessionary’ on tickets refers to discounted fares offered to certain groups of people, such as seniors, students, children, or people with disabilities. Concessionary tickets allow eligible passengers to travel on public transport for reduced rates compared to the standard adult fare.
Who is eligible for concessionary tickets?
Eligibility for concessionary tickets varies between transport operators and locations. Some common categories of passengers who may be eligible include:
- Seniors – Passengers over 60 or 65 years old.
- Students – Full-time students with valid student ID cards.
- Children – Children under 15 or 16 years old may travel at child rates.
- People with disabilities – Those with physical or mental disabilities may qualify for discounted fares.
- Unemployed people – The unemployed may be eligible in some areas.
- Veterans – Former armed forces members may get concessionary rates.
Exact age limits, proof of eligibility and qualifications can differ. Each transport company or local authority sets its own rules on who can access concessionary tickets in their region.
When are concessionary tickets valid?
The validity and travel times for concessionary tickets can also vary:
- Peak/off-peak – Some concessions are only valid at off-peak times.
- Weekdays – May not be valid on weekends or holidays.
- Time limits – Only valid during certain hours.
- Routes – May only apply on certain bus numbers or train routes.
There are also geographic restrictions in some cases. For example, an elderly person’s bus pass may only be accepted for travel within the town or county it was issued in.
Types of concessionary tickets
Some of the main types of concessionary tickets include:
- Free travel passes – These allow unlimited free travel within a certain area during valid times. For example, free bus passes for seniors.
- Discounted multi-use tickets – Provide a percentage discount on standard tickets. Can include 10-ride or monthly tickets.
- Season tickets – Offer discounted unlimited travel for a longer period of time, such as annual tickets.
- Single or return discounted tickets – Individual tickets sold at reduced rates to concessionary passengers.
Benefits of concessionary tickets
There are a number of benefits concessionary tickets can provide:
- Reduce transport costs for eligible groups
- Improve accessibility and social inclusion
- Support vulnerable groups to travel independently
- Encourage use of public transport
- Increase passenger numbers during off-peak times
- Promote a sense of community goodwill
Studies have shown that concessionary travel schemes can improve health, employment, education and quality of life for participating groups. There are also economic benefits for transport operators and the community in general.
Examples of concessionary tickets
Some examples of concessionary ticketing schemes around the world include:
- Senior Citizens’ Railcard (UK) – 1/3 off rail fares for people over 60.
- Student Oyster photocard (London) – 30% discount on travel for full-time students.
- Pensioner Excursion Ticket (Australia) – $2.50 all day rail travel for seniors.
- Access Pass (San Francisco) – Free transit for low-income disabled residents.
- Hero Pass (Chicago) – Free bus and train rides for active military.
Senior Citizens’ Railcard (UK)
One of the most popular concessionary tickets in the UK is the Senior Railcard for people over 60, which offers 1/3 off most rail fares. Some key features include:
- 33% discount on rail fares across the UK
- Valid for one year
- £30 annual fee
- Valid Monday to Friday and weekends
- Minimum fare rules apply
Student Oyster photocard (London)
The Student Oyster photocard allows full-time students aged 16 or over to get 30% off adult-rate Travelcard season tickets and pay-as-you-go caps on London’s public transport network. Key facts:
- 30% discount on travel
- Valid for one academic year
- £20 annual fee
- Applies to tubes, buses, trams, DLR, London Overground
- Must be studying at least 15 hours per week
Application process
To obtain concessionary tickets, passengers usually need to prove they are eligible and apply to the relevant transport authority or operator. The application process may involve:
- Completing an application form
- Providing proof of identity and eligibility (e.g. birth certificate, benefits letter)
- Supplying a passport photo
- Paying an administrative fee
- Waiting for the application to be processed and pass to be issued
Applicants may need to renew concessionary tickets periodically by verifying they still meet eligibility criteria. There are often penalties for fraudulent or improper use of concessionary tickets.
Around the world
Concessionary public transport fares for seniors, students and the disabled now exist in many countries globally. Some examples include:
Country | Program |
---|---|
United Kingdom | Free bus passes for seniors |
France | Discount cards offering up to 75% off trains for large families |
Germany | Reduced taxi vouchers for mobility-impaired residents |
Sweden | Free regional public transport for students under 20 |
USA | Reduced Metro fares for seniors, disabled and Medicare card holders (Los Angeles) |
Singapore | Concession cards for lower fares on buses and trains |
The discounts, eligibility criteria and funding models vary widely, but the goal is improving accessibility. Concessionary fares help make public transport more affordable for groups that need it most.
Disadvantages and controversies
While concessionary tickets have many benefits, there are some disadvantages and controversies to consider:
- Increased overcrowding during peak times when concessions apply
- Loss of fare revenue for transport operators
- Complex administration to handle eligibility and fraud prevention
- Debates over how much discount is appropriate
- Arguments over who should fund concessionary schemes
- Abuse or misuse by ineligible passengers
- Resentment from full fare passengers who must subsidise discounts
Critics argue concessions are a drag on profitability and some operators have tried reducing discounts. But restricting concessionary tickets can spark public backlash. Overall, the social benefits seem to outweigh the costs in most cases.
The future
Concessionary fares look set to continue evolving in future, with technology assisting to streamline administration through use of:
- Smartcards for integrated ticketing and ID
- Online applications and digital pass distribution
- Automated entitlement verification
- Better data analytics to monitor usage and crowds
There is also a trend towards more targeted concessions to assist particular socioeconomic groups, and greater flexibility on when discounts apply. Integrated policies on wheelchair accessibility, parking permits, taxi vouchers and community transport are also making systems more inclusive.
While concessionary ticketing involves complex balancing of costs and benefits, it delivers valuable access to public services for aging populations and younger demographics alike. The concept is likely to remain a key feature of most mass transit networks for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
In summary, concessionary tickets refer to discounted public transport fares offered to eligible groups like seniors, students, children and disabled individuals. These can include free passes, multi-use tickets, season tickets and single trip discounts. Concessionary fares aim to improve accessibility and provide social benefits, though they also create costs and controversies. Global concessionary ticketing schemes are evolving to utilize technology better and target those most in need. Concessions look set to continue playing an important role in transport policy, balancing revenue practicalities with social imperatives.