Bus Passes......

Margaret Pilkington · 06-08-2009, 11:39

There has been a report in one of the papers that it is possible that the free bus passes are to be 'means tested'.

I have a bus pass and use it from time to time...mainly at weekends and Bank Holidays.
I think that many pensioners in this country get a raw deal.
The Uk pension is one of the lowest in Europe.
Other than my bus pass, the only things that I get free are eye tests and prescriptions(and the free prescriptions does not benefit me as i take no prescribed medications on a regular basis).

I have worked hard for all of my life, I have paid taxes and I still do pay tax.
I do not want people to think I am a sponger when I use my bus pass...because I am not...my taxes pay for this so called 'perk'.

Personally, I would prefer to have a better pension and pay up front for my travel like everyone else does.

OK, Rant over.

harwood red · 06-08-2009, 12:00

and I completely agree with you Marg... i reckon by the time I reach pension age (I'm 38 now) there won't be a state pension anymore and it makes the fact I pay so much tax all the harder to swallow

Margaret Pilkington · 06-08-2009, 12:13

I would be quite happy for my bus pass to allow me to travel at any time, on any form of transport for Half fare.
I like to pay my way...but when the government say they are going to give you something, something that is to encourage folk out of their own cars...then they talk about taking it back...it is just a bit rich...especially in the light of the current scandal over their expenses.

cashman · 06-08-2009, 13:34

use mine occasionally very handy, doubt very much if this will come to pass, be even less people VOTE if it did. they had enough negative vibes to last my life out.

jaysay · 06-08-2009, 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman

use mine occasionally very handy, doubt very much if this will come to pass, be even less people VOTE if it did. they had enough negative vibes to last my life out.

I read the article too cashy and the spokesman for the Local Government Ass. said he couldn't see it happening anytime soon, neither can I, it would be political suicide

Margaret Pilkington · 06-08-2009, 16:19

The Local Government Association brought in the consultants Oxera to determine where cuts could be made.
Their judgement was that the allocation of bus passes was too wide and it did not take into consideration whether the pensioner had access to a car.

I thought that the government wanted us to use cars less, and to reduce our carbon footprint by using public transport.
I think they( the government ) have underestimated what the cost of giving free bus travel to the disabled and pensioners would be.
I do think it will be political suicide to withdraw them now.....but come an election......well, it is yet to be seen as to what will happen then.

BERNADETTE · 06-08-2009, 16:25

Another unfair proposal that will be like a punishment for many pensioners and disabled people. Before her accident Mum used hers often and even now weather permitting she still likes to get out and about without relying on other people who have cars. I don't think she would be able to afford to get out as much if she had to pay bus fares. By the way when she was able she hated getting help and even refused to get free school meals for us when she was entitled to them. So she definetly isn't a scrounger just a poor pensioner without a car.

harwood red · 06-08-2009, 19:16

are you sure your mum is getting everything she is entitled to Bernie, like pension credit?

BERNADETTE · 06-08-2009, 19:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by harwood red

are you sure your mum is getting everything she is entitled to Bernie, like pension credit?

Yes she is I just think these little perks make life that bit easier. Quite often now she is not able to get about by bus but if and when she can she enjoys to get out under her own steam. She really hates being dependent on anybody else

Bernard Dawson · 06-08-2009, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

I would be quite happy for my bus pass to allow me to travel at any time, on any form of transport for Half fare.
I like to pay my way...but when the government say they are going to give you something, something that is to encourage folk out of their own cars...then they talk about taking it back...it is just a bit rich...especially in the light of the current scandal over their expenses.

You are entitled to a free bus pass Margaret, you've worked for it. Mind you I should probably declare an interest I've just got mine.

Margaret Pilkington · 06-08-2009, 20:47

Yes Bernard, I am entitled to it, but I am saying that there are other ways around the thorny problem of the cost of concessionary fares on public transport.
I know that the fares still have to be paid for by someone......but I really do believe that a lifetime in full employment and the fact that I still pay tax on my pension should entitle me to something......but when you pull out your bus pass and get on the bus for free, the younger passengers look at you like you are stealing something from them.

It would also be helpful if the passes related to other forms of transport like trams and trains.....and again I would be willing to pay half fare

Bernard Dawson · 07-08-2009, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

Yes Bernard, I am entitled to it, but I am saying that there are other ways around the thorny problem of the cost of concessionary fares on public transport.
I know that the fares still have to be paid for by someone......but I really do believe that a lifetime in full employment and the fact that I still pay tax on my pension should entitle me to something......but when you pull out your bus pass and get on the bus for free, the younger passengers look at you like you are stealing something from them.

It would also be helpful if the passes related to other forms of transport like trams and trains.....and again I would be willing to pay half fare

I take your point, but you're paying for it twice, not only comes out of general taxation, but also local authority funding, Council Tax.

I agree with you on the trams and trains. I'm sure that a lot of people would be willing to pay half price particular to travel on the train.

I haven't used my bus pass yet, only got it two weeks ago. So the younger passengers looking at you, I've that to come yet.

Margaret Pilkington · 07-08-2009, 18:30

Bernard, the bus pass is a very important concession for some older people, it makes sure that they get out and about, it encourages physical activity.....and it encourages them to socialise more.....as you get older you become a little bit insular, you don't go out as much, and you don't make friends as easily.

I know that the LGA say that they aren't going to means test the bus pass scheme, but that they got consultants in and even thought about it is a bad move.

It would lead to the removal of a means of transport to those people who have contributed to the fabric of society, and these people may look rich on paper, but in actual fact they may be asset rich but cash poor.....having had their pension schemes raided by the chancellor of the exchequer....having seen the value of their savings plummet.
These are the people who were prudent and thrifty for all their working lives....they thought they had made adequate provision for their autumn years.

As for the youngsters giving me black looks......well, I know I have earned the right to use my pass.

Bernard Dawson · 07-08-2009, 18:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

Bernard, the bus pass is a very important concession for some older people, it makes sure that they get out and about, it encourages physical activity.....and it encourages them to socialise more.....as you get older you become a little bit insular, you don't go out as much, and you don't make friends as easily.

I know that the LGA say that they aren't going to means test the bus pass scheme, but that they got consultants in and even thought about it is a bad move.

It would lead to the removal of a means of transport to those people who have contributed to the fabric of society, and these people may look rich on paper, but in actual fact they may be asset rich but cash poor.....having had their pension schemes raided by the chancellor of the exchequer....having seen the value of their savings plummet.
These are the people who were prudent and thrifty for all their working lives....they thought they had made adequate provision for their autumn years.

As for the youngsters giving me black looks......well, I know I have earned the right to use my pass.

I was at the LGA conference a few weeks ago when it was discussed, and there was no support for the bus pass being means tested.

As for the youngsters and black looks.I would think there is a lot more chance that we've been subsidising some of them over the years, rather then the other way around.

cashman · 07-08-2009, 18:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson

I was at the LGA conference a few weeks ago when it was discussed, and there was no support for the bus pass being means tested.

As for the youngsters and black looks.I would think there is a lot more chance that we've been subsidising some of them over the years, rather then the other way around.

thats a knocking bet.