TravelWatch calls on Jobcentres to promote ‘back to work’ fares discount

Passenger watchdog London TravelWatch says many jobseekers are failing to claim their 50% reduced fare entitlement because benefits staff aren’t doing enough to promote the concession.

Claimants who have been in receipt of Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance and Jobseeker’s Allowance for 13 weeks or more are entitled to half price travel on buses and trams.

However figures published by TravelWatch show take up in some boroughs is as low as 24%, leaving thousands of eligible Londoners paying full fares while looking for work.

London TravelWatch Chair Sharon Grant says:“The number of people using this discount across London varies enormously from well over 90% in some boroughs to as little as 24% in Barking and Dagenham. This suggests that in some Jobcentres are promoting the discount and others aren’t. This cannot be right.

“The disparity is take-up across London is worrying. Discounted transport can make a huge difference to those on a low income. We’d like all Jobcentres promoting the discount properly and an end to the postcode lottery.” 

Source: London TravelWatch