End of the road for free go-anywhere bus pass for the over-60s

Farway

I reckon the free bus pass will be one of first things to go if the Tories get in, or at least have a means test on it

dzug1

Prior to 1 April the senior bus pass was valid on the Heathrow Hoppa services - if you could persuade the driver of that.

DAK if this has changed with the new rules?

vernon

Rumours are rife! Will they or will they not amend the bus pass facility for the over 60's? Maybe a new means tested scheme based on the unfair 'income support' criteria. Maybe a graduated contributions plan for those who have been prudent enough to save money for old age and are not deemed to be 'poor'?
Today, I analysed the passengers on the 9.35 town bus. 90% were using a bus pass. Of those, most were shoppers going to support the local economy. Some had restricted movement and would have been incapable of using a car The remaining 10% were mother's and children and students. What we had was an example of one vehicle transporting 30+ people at considerable saving to the environment. The bus pass is not a luxury. It is a social/economic solution to transport and I hope there is no political tinkering!

Oblivion

vernon wrote: »

It is a social/economic solution to transport and I hope there is no political tinkering!

I fully agree. The environmental and social benefits of the free pass scheme far outweigh any associated costs.

Dave.