Free bus travel for the over 60s in England

alggomas

This is certainly good news. What is even better is that DISABLED pass holders can travel anytime with no restrictions. [In London anyway].

topofall

Good news! It's bad new for lots of pensioners! For instance, on the Isle of Wight they could travel before 9.30 prior to the changes, now it's after 9.30 it means that if leaving the island they will be getting to their destination much later!

Hospital appointments will be difficult to get to on a bus for instance.

When will the 'whole' country be counted as one? Probably never if Scotland manages to breakaway!

viviennehayes

Not everyone will perhaps realise that, like in the Isle of Wight, some Councils have made it that you now have to pay full fare before 9.30 am. In Preston before 1st April we could travel before 9.30 am at half fare but now will have to pay full. Sometimes it is essential to travel before that time to keep appointments. I am caravanning in Wales in May and was quite pleased to think I would be able to travel around free while staying there but was not very happy to realise my pass is only valid in England. How can it be justified to have such different rules for people living in Wales and Scotland? I will write to my MP as well - I am sure it will make a big difference!!

Stuartli

sluggy1967 wrote: »

. Annoyingly, it is often only over 60s who are mentioned, as has happened this time. Disabled people are some of the poorest and disadvantaged groups in society. People over 60 aren't always!

My wife has had a Disabled Free Travel pass (which covers anytime of the day travel) since she was 53.

We live in the Merseyside area, where free bus, train and ferries travel for the over-60s has been available for many years. Six years ago the qualifying age for males was dropped from 65 to 60 because of the discrepancy with women.

However, the new bus passes will (rightfully) not allow those from outside Merseyside to use trains or ferries free.

Alix69

Hi

Does anyone know if these nationwide bus passes can be used on the London Underground too for free. Anyone living in Greater London can use their buspass on the tube too, but if you're living in another part of England and visit the capital does you're new pass entitle you to free offpeak use of the underground as well as the buses?

msncom

Regarding free travel for over 60's, is this good for visitors from the States? My parents are coming over for three weeks and I'd like to put them on a bus. (That sounds worse tha it is.)

msncom

msncom wrote: »

Regarding free travel for over 60's, Is this good for visitors from the States? My parents are coming over for three weeks and I'd like to put them on a bus. They are over 60 and can fake a British accent

cheshire_tony

msncom wrote: »

Regarding free travel for over 60's, is this good for visitors from the States? My parents are coming over for three weeks and I'd like to put them on a bus. (That sounds worse tha it is.)

I don't think so. They have to be residents in the issuing council area.

On another point, I seem to recall reading somewhere that the passes issued outside the London area, e.g. mine is from Greater Manchester PTE, are not valid on London's buses. Anyone know the truth or otherwise of this.

I would assume it's not valid on the London Underground, or I would guess, tram systems in, for example, Croydon, Nottingham, Sheffield.

Cheers
Tony

Altarf

Alix69 wrote: »

Does anyone know if these nationwide bus passes can be used on the London Underground too for free.

No, buses only.

soulstarsinger

annaangeluk wrote: »

I've been trying to find some info for this but not having alot of luck!

My brother is 18 and autistic. he is in receipt of DLA (not mobility) but I'm not sure at what rate and my mum gets carer's allowance for him.

Would he be entitled to a free bus pass or is it just for people with physical disabilities?

Thanks

Anna x

Hi Anna - I'm bipolar and I do have a bus pass. I applied for it when I was medically disqualified from driving. If your brother's autism prevents him from driving, then you should be able to get a report from your doctor to say so, and assuming your council is the same as mine, that would qualify him for a pass too.