Free travel.

For those of us that are 60 years old, we have the privilege of a travel pass. I have heard a whisper that the government may withdraw them soon.
I know some who use them a lot and some who have never bothered to apply for one.

Because I live close to the city, travel by car and parking in particular is a nightmare, so I use my pass quite a lot.

Fares are quite expensive so I would not travel as often if I didn't have my pass. Do others use their's?

Re: Free travel.

These bus passes should be withdrawn. I don't deny they are wonderful things, but they were extended hugely by the last Labour government hoping to buy a few more votes from the old folks. Even when times were good they were hard to justify, but now times are hard they really are indefensible. People who can pay their way should pay their way, which would allow more money to assist those really in need.

Re: Free travel.

Ooohhh! No Barry! - Hands off the bus passes. They are invaluable to many o.a.p.'s. Many would not be able to make the journeys they do without them. You could say that they help a bit with easing traffic congestion on the roads as well. They also bring people into town, who would probably have to think twice about going, so that is good for the town centres. I think there is even more need for them now that we are in hard times. I don't think they should be means tested either - why should the less fortunate have to go begging for every little thing they receive?
PS.
I'm off out to town with my bus pass in a minute.

Re: Free travel.

In this neck of the woods the proper name is an Entitlement Card. Free bus travel is only one purpose of the card. I have my library card programmed in to it, Some folk have social amenieties programmed in it ie Bowling Greens,Swimming Baths,Golf Courses etc
But I have only ever used it for Free Bus Travel. Not just the local Aberdeen Service BUT also can travel anywhere in the whole of Scotland.
But unfortunately because Joyce can no longer use a bus I have to use Taxis.
But I say....HANDS OFF OUR BUS PASS

Re: Free travel.

I agree with every word.
It is independence for those who can't drive too. They can visit freinds and relatives without worrying about the cost.
It also benefits the bus companies who would have far, far fewer passengers without the over sixties.
It also moves around the grey pound from one town to another.

Re: Free travel.

Without her bus pass my mum,for whom every penny counted, would have been stuck at home most days. It gave her the freedom to travel and the incentive to get out of the house now and again.She never learned to drive and hated relying on us to take her anywhere so I'm grateful for the independence it gave her.

Re: Free travel.

I agree with you all as to the benefits of the bus pass, but the fact remains that some need it and some just want it, a bit like family allowance. There are millions that use it that could afford not to, and the taxpayer is footing the bill. Where does it end, do we say that all over 60 should be fed and have all their other living expenses paid?

There is no such thing as a free benefit, and this would be an easy one for millions to forego without any hardship and yes, all benefits should be means tested, otherwise what is the point? The more benefits we dish out the more tax we pay, just so the government can dish out a few more sweeties and make us feel good. All smoke and mirrors ....

Re: Free travel.

I have never bothered to get a bus pass, prefering to use my car, not that I go out more than I have to, I like being in my routines. We have sold our property moving out on June 1st. We are moving in with our eldest girl (poor darling!) until we have completed the purchase of a new property. I will have to develop new routines, very quickly, to make myself feel comfortable!

Re: Free travel.

I think there would be an uproar if the Bus Passes were taken off us. I've just been to town & back this morning. I only went for a bag of potatoes but ended up getting other stuff as well. It would have cost me nearly £5.00 to get there & back if I had to pay & its only a 5 minute journey each way so I probably wouldnt have gone. I would have gone to Morrisons down the road instead & they get enough of my money. Why shouldnt the small local shops get it instead?

The 9.30 bus is full of over 60's that probably wouldnt go out as often - even if they only meet friends & have a coffee a couple of times a week so the cafe's would lose out. I don't drive so would probably not get out as much if I had to pay plus I very often get the bus with Taffy when i'm taking him out for a walk so we can go somewhere different.
Hands off our Bus Passes

Re: Free travel.

I won't get mine until I'm 65 but I think they should be kept. Its part of what we have been paying taxes for all those years and is invaluable for those who don't drive or who choose to gve up after a certain age when they don't feel able to any more. If you remove bus passes you may find there are a lot more doddery drivers on the roads who are a danger to themselves and other road users.