Token travel gets the go-ahead
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• Concessionary and subsidized travel has been facilitated by the formation of a new company, National Transport Tokens Ltd. The company — formed by the SELNEC and Merseyside PTEs, the National Bus Company and British Rail — is to market 3p light-alloy tokens to local authorities and other operators.
The company, which will be based at SELNEC's headquarters, will take over the successful schemes already operated by the two PTEs and 17 NBC subsidiaries. Over 200 local authorities are using the scheme at present. Most use tokens to subsidize travel for elderly or infirm passengers or for school children. When the tokens — distributed free to the passengers — are handed in they are sold to NTT. The value of tokens distributed in the current year is thought to be in excess of £2m.
At present the scheme applies to England and Wales only. It seems likely that it could be extended to Scotland later particularly when the Glasgow PTE is formed. The new company is thought to expect major developments in the field of subsidized employee . transport. It may request Government support in its efforts to encourage employers to provide tokens in an attempt to reduce the numbers of private cars. British Rail is expected to use the tokens for its employees who travel in by bus. There are no plans at present to allow the tokens to be used for rail journeys. Another possible development is the use of heavier tokens which could be used in automatic fare collection apparatus.
Managing director of the new company is Mr J. Clarkson, financial controller of SELNEC PTE. Other directors are: D. Graham, director of finance, SELNEC PTE; J. Brooksbank, director of finance, Merseyside PTE; and G. Neely, chief financial officer of NBC.