356.These sections enable the London local authorities to agree, annually, travel concessions for their eligible residents for the following financial year.  They would fund the scheme by reimbursing TfL, and any other transport operators with which they make agreements, for the cost of providing the concessions. Eligible residents are defined in section 240(5) as pensioners, blind persons and persons who are unable to walk. In the event that a uniform scheme covering services provided by or under agreement with TfL is not agreed, then TfL would be required to implement a “reserve free travel scheme” (covering only those services for which they are responsible) which is specified in detail in Schedule 16. TfL would be able to charge the local authorities for the cost of providing the reserve free travel scheme.
357.Section 244 enables the London local authorities to exercise their power under section 240 to enter into concessionary travel arrangements with TfL and train operators through a joint committee to which special provisions apply. Decisions of the joint committee would have to be unanimous, unless the authorities unanimously decided that all decisions, or decisions on particular matters, could be taken by a specified majority of the members. The majority so specified could not be less than two thirds of the member authorities.
Commentary on Sections Part Iv: Transport Chapter Viii: Travel Concessions Sections 240 to 244: Travel Concessions