Free bus passes - the latest

[soloman]

A DfT spokesman said the government was "committed to protecting free bus travel for older people".

They are now talking about raising the at which they start to 65 soon.

[Barry]

I don't see a problem with that. I don't know why pensioners should travel free, at all.

[manrow]

I don't see a problem with that. I don't know why pensioners should travel free, at all.

The 'hidden' effect of free bus passes is that because of time restrictions on their use, the pensioners are not using them during the peak morning hour; however they do very much use them from the 9.30am watershed onwards.

I feel sure that if bus passes for the elderly were removed, then many bus servicies to rural areas would cease altogether apart from peak hours. I would always be using my car were it not for free bus services on public transport.

[Opinionated]

I don't see a problem with that. I don't know why pensioners should travel free, at all.

Because it encourages the use of less cars, because without it many pensioners would be stuck in rural areas unable to access health clinics etc. and because State pensions stretch tightly enough on the basics without adding the cost of petrol and taxi fares etc. to do your weekly shop!

[Barry]

Because it encourages the use of less cars, because without it many pensioners would be stuck in rural areas unable to access health clinics etc. and because State pensions stretch tightly enough on the basics without adding the cost of petrol and taxi fares etc. to do your weekly shop!

But your argument is for free public transport for all, not for pensioners. If that were the case the use of cars would be well reduced.

[Midas]

I feel sure that if bus passes for the elderly were removed, then many bus servicies to rural areas would cease altogether apart from peak hours. I would always be using my car were it not for free bus services on public transport.

Lucky you! It's about a 10 minute drive from where I live to the nearest bus stop, the service being once or twice a day on alternate days, but none on Sundays. Not that I'd ever consider using it I have to say.

[Opinionated]

But your argument is for free public transport for all, not for pensioners. If that were the case the use of cars would be well reduced.

Well not for all necessarily but I certainly think it is useful for those on a low income!

[soloman]

Well not for all necessarily but I certainly think it is useful for those on a low income!

Absolutely right. Some people forget the problem that lack of public transport causes!

[soloman]

Well not for all necessarily but I certainly think it is useful for those on a low income!

We will be back to ensure FREE public transport for the disabled!