One yr on, and we're in site of loosing concessionay travel

Legacy_user

In April '06, those people that were entitled to concessionary bus fares, ie free local travel and £1 flat fare to area's up to about 20 miles for those people over 60 or reg.disabled, have enjoyed these benefits.

We are also aware that come April '08, those £1 fares are to be dropped and that too will be free.

In the meantime, it is my understanding that come April '07, restrictions are to be put in place banning the use of the concessionary cards untill after 9.30am. I used one such service today, and there were three passengers, five including us. If the restriction had been in place today, there would have been ONE passenger.

Bossyboots

We already have those restrictions in our area and the bus drivers enforce them rigidly. Around here though it is pretty hard getting onto a bus before 9.30 as it is.

System

and "our area" is where?

pompeyrich

These concessions vary greatly from council to council, here in Portsmouth only registered disabled people qualify for "any time" travel, all the others with the free over 60s pass are restricted to after 9:00 as I understand it.

System

Now that would be interesting. My wife is UNDER 60, but reg.dis, I am the over 60. But she requires me to assist her as she cannot walk independently.

What would I do, see her onto the bus and say "wait at the other end, I'll be there after 9.30!"

highguyuk

islandman wrote:

Now that would be interesting. My wife is UNDER 60, but reg.dis, I am the over 60. But she requires me to assist her as she cannot walk independently.

What would I do, see her onto the bus and say "wait at the other end, I'll be there after 9.30!"

Surely you'll both just go after 9.30?

smudger1964

highguyuk wrote:

Surely you'll both just go after 9.30?

Got to agree whats the hurry both go after 930 surely the rules are to stop the buses getting too full with old people during the morning rush hour.

colin79666

Unfortunately where I am the rules were changed the other way. Now people with cards can use the buses any time. Sadly some older folks are being downright selfish and abusing this. Time after time I cannot get on the local bus at 9.20am because it is full of old folks. Result - I have to get the next bus which is half an hour later - I'm then late for University, cold, wet and very angry!

sarahlouise210

Of course there is another side to the story ...I have a concessionary disabled bus pass..but I do work 2 days per week. I cannot use my pass before 9am (pensioners also can use the bus at 9am) - if I want to take advantage of the concessionary fare I have to get to work later - my choice I know..but I do feel that if you have a concessionary pass as you are too disabled to drive...then you should be able to use it at any time if you feel able to work part time.

Zoetoes

In my area last week they decided they are going to be scrapping half fares for kids!!

It's a disgrace and may end up with a lot of poorer families struggling to find the money to send their kids to school.

millie

It has always been 9.30 in Birmingham. until a few years ago they could not be used between 3.30 and 6.00pm either. The bus drivers call the concession holders twirlys because they are in the bus stop before 9.30 and when the bus stops they 'ask are we too early' which sounds like are we twirly. I get my pass next week so I will be joining them and saving myself quite a bit in bus fares