PUBLIC TRANSPORT..think the time has come for the free bus pass for the people who have passed retirement age to end, think there should be a £25 a year fee for the pass and the money gained by this proposal,used to fund free transport for 11 to 18 year olds does not seem fair that a young girl of 17 earning £3.64(oct 1st) should pay 6 quid return to get to work in peterborough or kings lynn

By 8ubble8oy at 10:38 on 22/09/10

For many retired people the free bus pass is a lifeline not only to getting out and about but as a social aspect of their lives. Our local hopper bus is packed with retired people who seem to use this service on a daily basis.
They all chat to each other, notice when someone is missing for a couple of days and generally enjoy thier trips into town.Some of these people would arguably be more isolated without this service.
I would not like to see these people penalised by paying for their tickets.

By Fibreshack at 12:16 on 22/09/10
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If an employer is choosing to pay 17 year olds £3.64 per hour....it would not be unreasonable to expect the employer to pick up the £6 bus fair as a legitamate travel expense......not the state.

By Fibreshack at 12:38 on 22/09/10
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Not got a problem with local town buses they should be free for EVERYONE or just have a token fare say £2,20 fare for all day travel ,,,its the longer haul travel i have a problem with..when my girlfriends grandad is using the bus to get to march railway station to catch the stansted express so he can fly out to his holiday home in marbella ??? its about time the pass was means tested..give more free travel to students they need it more,they are the future...i do agree with you post thou fibreshack for local hopper buses

By 8ubble8oy at 12:41 on 22/09/10
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Here then lies the political rub....you are citing isolated cases ..the girlfriends grandad, the 17 year old girl etc...regardless of political persuation, all political parties pretend to be all friend to all people.They are not. Like it or not, when it comes to spending public money,the premise appears to be for the benefit and good of the majority....is there a fairer way? .Means teasting of both groups, the retired and students may be the way to go as regards free bus travel.

By Fibreshack at 13:36 on 22/09/10
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Maybe a retired person can lend the bus pass to their grandchild... e.g. a family pass obtained by the person whom has paid into the system all their life. It would then be up to that retired person to 'give-up' their pass for their family when they deemed it an acceptable reason. This would make the whole family accountable to the eldest/senior family member... just an idea.

By Username7 at 16:29 on 22/09/10
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Good idea,i like it

By 8ubble8oy at 20:59 on 22/09/10
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