E P Morris and Company Limited have been working with Bus Operators since 1989 to ensure that they receive the monies due to them from local authorities. This work is undertaken as both regular certifications of concessionary travel and ad-hoc investigations. Our standard certification audits do not only "tick off" the data submitted, but also investigate the build up of this data. Consequently, as a matter of routine we have recovered sums in excess of £50K usually as a result of errors in the extraction of ETM data or the failure of authorities to apply formulae correctly or update fares.
The other types of work undertaken are:>> Appeals
We act on behalf of a number of Operators who are appealing against Concessionary Travel Schemes imposed upon them in April 2006, when free travel in England became mandatory.There are several factors that have been overlooked in the original scheme rules that will significantly increase reimbursement if these appeals are successful.
>> Resolution of Disputes with Local Authorities
These include the evaluation of passenger numbers recorded on ETM's in a free scheme, where the Local Authority recorded significantly fewer passengers through their survey. A payment in excess of £2m was made by the authority, when it was agreed that their surveys were inaccurate and under recorded the value of cross boundary travel.
>> Additional Cost Claims
We have constructed a number of claims for reimbursement of those additional costs incurred in providing the extra capacity required to carry concessionary passengers following the introduction of a free travel scheme. We have recently advised our clients of the possibility of claiming for additional costs in Security Bulletin 2006/03.
>> Coach BSOG
We have submitted a number of Coach BSOG claims to the DfT, whereby they reimburse Operators for revenue forgone under commercial half fare travel schemes for the over 60's. This work included a claim valued at £225K for an operator who had believed that the scheme was revenue neutral to them.
For further information on how we can assist you, please contact EP Morris on 01527 556940 or e-mail epm@epmorris.co.uk
