Bus passes again

margaretclare

tanith wrote: »

margaretclare don't you have to apply for a replacement ? I have to fill out a form online which I can then print out, take it to the Post Office with a photograph, proof of ID and proof of address then they issue the pass. I thought it was the same all over the UK but obviously not..

No, I didn't have to apply, it just arrived last week, with the same photo on it (me 5 years ago with a much fatter face, I don't look like that now!!)

As I have used a bus pass of any kind soooo rarely it is something I really don't need. Before the free passes came I had a half-fare pass but used that a handful of times in 10 years. The most recent one, which has been replaced without my asking for it, has been used once.

If people have a bus service, like using the buses, find it useful and beneficial, I have no problem with that. It's up to the individual.

This is from the local authority's website: "If a resident no longer requires the bus pass please return it to Rochford District Council for cancellation."

I don't necessarily go to the Daily Mail for accurate information, but I read what the Minister was quoted as saying in the link quoted by alanq. If I ever need to use a bus in the future on a rare occasion, I don't mind paying. Given my recent history of non-use of buses, it's fairly unlikely. If I ever find myself in a situation such as lilac_lady envisages then I'll re-apply.

pollypenny

20 people on a bus to town is better than 20 cars going to town.

I'd be happy to pay an annual fee though.

seven-day-weekend

pollypenny wrote: »

20 people on a bus to town is better than 20 cars going to town.

I'd be happy to pay an annual fee though.

Absolutely, pollypenny and one of the reasons I will continue to use my bus pass whenever possible.

I too would be happy to pay an annual fee to keep the same terms and conditions that I have with my existing bus pass.

Farway

pollypenny wrote: »

20 people on a bus to town is better than 20 cars going to town.

I'd be happy to pay an annual fee though.

Not sure I would, I use the bus about twice a week, but the distance is fairly trivial and only do it when I have shopping, otherwise I walk, or if raining I would use the car, as I do for any distance

No handy trains round here, and the rail / taxi token option has been canceled from 1st April here, so it is bus or car only

Would not send pass back though as I find it handy, especially to just hop on any bus sort of going my way

PS, ours are renewed automatically

margaretclare

pollypenny wrote: »

20 people on a bus to town is better than 20 cars going to town.

I'd be happy to pay an annual fee though.

Yes, so would I - if I ever used the bus!

It's fine, if going to town is where you go. Most of the places I go to though, the bus doesn't go.

Today we made a picnic and went to Tilbury to see the ships. We watched the cruise ship 'Marco Polo' leave with the outgoing afternoon tide. It would have been impossible to get there from where we live by bus.

Tomorrow, Thursday and Friday I go to the little pool. It's impossible to get there by bus.

jennifernil

Same here, most of our trips are impossible by bus. I have had my pass for 2 years and used it 3 times.

We would use ours more when on holiday, but ours are only valid in Scotland, and we mainly holiday in England/Wales, so not much use.

We do use the Park and Rides quite often when visiting unfamiliar places.

chesky369

tanith wrote: »

chesky when you use it on the trains do you just swipe like you do when on the tube? and if buying a ticket for part of your journey I presume you have to know which is the first station outside zone 6 and purchase a ticket from that station to your destination? Do they ask to see your pass when buying the ticket?

Well I've got one of those antiquated stations that doesn't have a swipe machine, nor a ticket collector, nor anything really except a ticket machine (which of course I never use). But when I get to Waterloo, I hit the pad at the barrier just like you would for the tube or on the bus.

When I buy a ticket for the coast, I always have to show the pass. I always remind them that 'it's from zone six' as I never trust anyone to remember. I don't know any of the stations in zone six, so I wouldn't know what to say.

pollypenny

I think the bus pass, perhaps with a reasonable annual fee, is essential.

I know lots of older people who can no longer drive and don't have computers to shop on-line.

margaretclare

pollypenny wrote: »

I think the bus pass, perhaps with a reasonable annual fee, is essential.

I know lots of older people who can no longer drive and don't have computers to shop on-line.

But you could still get one, if you needed/wanted one, pollypenny!

Before these came in we used to have a half-fare pass costing (from memory) £12 a year. Even that, in 10 years I used it maybe half a dozen times. I've already said, if people want them/can use them then fine. I have no problem with that.

pollypenny

Many older people won't have the confidence and help to buy and use a computer. I help two friends who are in their 80s.
The bus pass is essential for many.