Bus pass petition...

Pollycat

Isn't this more relevant to this board?

Public transport & cycling — MoneySavingExpert Forum

westv

Pollycat said:

Isn't this more relevant to this board?

Public transport & cycling — MoneySavingExpert Forum

It could fall under "retirement planning".

squirrelpie

Seems a poorly thought out petition, without a proper explanation of what it is and isn't about. The whole subject is stupidly complicated anyway, with many different rules for different places, types of travel and people. As I live where there are no bus services, it all seems pretty pointless anyway

Qyburn

Emmia said:

But I expect the lack of interchangabilty is because bus transport is probably devolved so the UK government doesn't have the power to decide on this. Agreement would need to be made with the Scottish and Welsh governments.

It varies even between local authorities. For example only bus passes issued by Edinburgh are valid on their trams.

rebs

westv said:

poseidon1 said:

35har1old said:

smudger1964 said:

maman said:

westv said:

I'm a bit confused at to what the petition is about. 

At the moment, despite free bus passes being issued in all 4 countries and TfL, they aren't interchangeable.

 So if, for example, an English resident goes to Wales on holiday they can't use their free bus pass.

The petition calls for the bus pass to be valid across the UK. 

I misunderstood then I thought it was about people over 60 being able to get bus passes in England like they get them in Wales,Scotland and London.So making everyone in the UK equal

In NI you get you bus and train pass at 60 and when you reach 65 your are then entitled to travel all Ireland bus and rail

Same in London (60plus oyster). However freedom pass now linked to your normal retirement age ( currently 66 or 67).

What's the difference between the two?

The over 60 oyster has a nominal cost - initially £20 then £10 annually to renew.  Freedom pass is free.

Exodi

maman said:

westv said:

I'm a bit confused at to what the petition is about. 

At the moment, despite free bus passes being issued in all 4 countries and TfL, they aren't interchangeable.

 So if, for example, an English resident goes to Wales on holiday they can't use their free bus pass.

The petition calls for the bus pass to be valid across the UK. 

I'll probably make myself a bit unpopular here but... is it thattttttt big a deal?

I mean, how many times are (mostly) retired people going on domestic holidays within the UK (but outside of their respective home country) and simultaneously utilising local bus services while away. I'd wager most people could count this on one hand.

The benefit/cost we are talking about is probably less than £100 across a persons lifetime (of course I'm sure there's outliers who have family/friends in Wales (for example) so often travel back and forth of whom this would be a great benefit to).

Maybe I'll think it is a more serious issue when I reach my 60's, who knows.

donnac2558

Here in Northern Ireland, once you reach 65 you get the bus pass which allows you to travel to the Republic of Ireland on buses or trains.  Once there you also can use your pass on their public transport free.

NickBFS

westv said:

poseidon1 said:

Same in London (60plus oyster). However freedom pass now linked to your normal retirement age ( currently 66 or 67).

What's the difference between the two?

The 60+ Oyster is a TfL initiative and is valid specifically in London (TfL operated services+trains within the Oyster area). The Freedom pass is valid on buses throughout England.

olgadapolga

TadleyBaggie said:

Pretty sure bus passes issued in England are accepted by TFL. 

They are indeed.

Emmia

Qyburn said:

Emmia said:

But I expect the lack of interchangabilty is because bus transport is probably devolved so the UK government doesn't have the power to decide on this. Agreement would need to be made with the Scottish and Welsh governments.

It varies even between local authorities. For example only bus passes issued by Edinburgh are valid on their trams.

That would be like the fact the London issued one is also valid on the tube, whereas a pass issued in Lincoln would only work on the buses in London.

Cities / Transport authorities offer a different mix (more) options to their residents.