Commentary on Sections National concession: journeys beginning on London bus network Section 4: The national concession: journeys beginning on London bus network
23.Section 240 of the 1999 Act enables local authorities (inside London and out) to enter into arrangements under which travel concessions can be offered to certain categories of people and on certain modes of public transport (including the London bus network). If these voluntary arrangements do not fulfil certain criteria (including the provision of the concessions described at section 242(8) of the 1999 Act), then a ‘reserve free travel scheme’ will instead operate (see paragraph 24 below). This section alters section 240 of the 1999 Act to ensure that those resident outside London and holding permits issued by travel concession authorities under the 2000 Act can be recognised as a category of persons eligible under a concessionary scheme set up under arrangements made under that section. It also ensures that London authorities will issue passes only to those whose ‘sole or principal residence’ is in their area and that London authorities must have regard to any guidance on ‘sole or principal residence’ that is issued by the Secretary of State.