In October 2013, then journalist and now Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for employees to be “allowed to pay for their [public transport] season tickets from their pre-tax income”. Oldham Liberal Democrat Councillors Garth Harkness and Louie Hamblett are now calling the Prime Minister’s bluff, with a new motion to the first Oldham Council meeting since the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The idea behind the policy is to make a saving for passengers while actively encouraging people to reinvest in public transport.
The scheme would be on seasonal travel tickets throughout the public transport network in Greater Manchester. Passengers would save hundreds of pounds a year.
Councillor Harkness commented: “It will be interesting to see if the Prime Minister makes good on this. After all, it is his idea! Tax relief for public transport is a great way for workers and businesses to cooperate.”
“Public health comes first. However, whilst we all must be cautious when using public transport, we should still invest ourselves in its worth. If not now, then when things return to normal,” said Councillor Hamblett.
The Council meeting will be held on 17th June and starts at 6pm.