Change To Over 60's Bus Pass

[jamesnan]

I have been told by several people that changes are afoot in the use of bus passes for over 60's in that it will only be able to be used in your local area, ie county. After searching I have been unable to find out any more. Should this be happening all councils would apparently have to agree to the plan since they are where the funding comes from.
Has anyone else heard of any changes likely to happen in the near future.

[jennyjoan]

there has been rumours but nothing substantial yet.

[-Talbot-]

The changes will be implemented if Scotland vote to go it alone.

[theshedman]

In some parts of Devon the pass only now goes out to those who are over retirement age and not to over 60s as it was.

[237SJ]

Quite right too. In Devon, the bus companies spend all day transporting elderly tourists around for nothing.

[237SJ]

Elderly tourists who have left their cars behind at the caravan park, that is.

[whiskeryron]

// Elderly tourists who have left their cars behind at the caravan park, that is. // AND ?

[Old_Geezer]

It would be a foolish rule but I suspect, as you state, it may be funded by local taxes rather than national. They should fix that defect ASAP. An empty bus costs almost as much as one full of folk with concessionary fares. It would be inefficient and wasteful not to allow it nationwide: even if most fares would be local. I just seems vindictive almost. "We look after our own, but you can go without because you live in an adjoining area of the same country." I did look at the pensioner concession tube fares for London not that long ago, and they seem to discriminate in favour of their locals already.

[Old_Geezer]

*IT* just seems
Like I %^%&^ typed !!!!!!

[jamesnan]

Surely it is better to use public transport in places where there are lots of tourists -it keeps the roads clearer for locals.

[Tilly2]

S37, do you mean those elderly tourists who are supporting the local economy by holidaying in your part of the country?

[theshedman]

Surely those bus companies get money for transporting people with bus passes around, tourists or otherwise and if people don't use them they stop running as many buses on those routes which means you would have to wait longer for buses as there will be fewer of them and probably less drivers needed for them. As Tilly says they bring in money to the local economy. It's bad enough traveling to certain areas around Devon at the best of times without more cars on the road.

[Mags22]

We can't use English passes in Scotland anyway,so there will be no change there

[maggiebee]

Right on Mags, and we can't use Scottish passes in England either.

[boxtops]

I can only use my bus pass in my county anyway, guaranteed - in other counties, I have to check their website to see if I am able to use it there.

[jennyjoan]

Can I ask - can English passes be used in Northern Ireland as I have a visitor coming in October

[craft1948]

You'd have to pay me to go on a bus............

[boxtops]

I can't use my Kent pass outside the county, conne, so for me, no - which county does your friend live in? She'd need to check her own county bus pass site.

[jennyjoan]

she located from Plymouth to Cornwall several months ago

[Baldric]

Boxy, I'm getting into this Bus Pass Thing, used it twice now in a year, just had a look to see where we can use them
•Local bus services in England – outside Kent, check the relevant council’s website for when you can use it.
•Maidstone Park and Ride.
•Gravesend to Tilbury ferry
•Canterbury Park and Ride (you'll still have to pay for parking).
You can't use your pass outside of England or on scheduled coach services.

[maggiebee]

Ooooohh, get crafty!! Does modom have the chauffeur drive the limo to the supermarket?