Ms Anne Graham:

I will set out the position for the record. We are also aware that perhaps a change in travel patterns might result post-Covid. We are open to being able to provide a more flexible ticket. There are three main issues. One is that a technology change will be required. It will have to be developed significantly to provide a particular type of ticket. The idea is to provide something other than the structured monthly and annual tickets. The idea is a replacement for those given that people may only be travelling for two or three days per week rather than the full five days. They will not get value out of their monthly or annual tickets in the new environment. Technology development has to take place.

The other issue is that the monthlies and annuals are Taxsaver schemes so they are actually tax benefits and there is a requirement to change the legislation to allow for a tax benefit for a different form of salary sacrifice. We have engaged with the Department of Transport on how and whether that could be brought forward as a change in taxation and in the finance Bill later this year.

They are the two main issues. I am trying to think of the third because I do not have the response in front of me, but there is a lead-in time in trying to deliver a solution for travellers between the technology and the change in legislation required such that it is unlikely we would have that solution in place this year. We would, however, like to have some solution for travellers for next year.