For example, some local authorities might offer a scheme which provided reduced-fare travel on local trains as well as buses, but which entailed a charge for the relevant pass. But a number of authorities may wish to exercise their discretion to do so. At Which The Statutory Minimum Is Available 35. Section 146 of the Act provides that for areas outside London the statutory minimum must be available at any time on a Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday, and between 9.30am and 11pm on any other day. Period of Validity 36.
Local authorities have discretion to issue passes for whatever period they consider appropriate.
They can be for periods of longer than a year if the authority so chooses. Free Bus Passes 37. However, if the machine that issues the permit takes a photograph of the applicant as an integral part of the process, then no charge can be made. Duplicate Bus Passes 38. That would not prevent an authority from exercising its discretion to issue duplicate permits either free or at a charge representing roughly the cost of producing them.