Jump to content

Buses are really important to people on low incomes


Recommended Posts

Travel is also expensive for those commuting into London every day to work. Season tickets costs thousands and those who buy them often have to stand on their journeys in as well. It's all just creaking under the cost and the demand.
The universal free travel for over-60s doesn't make much sense to me (and I say this as as somebody whose partner benefits) as a means of putting more money into the system and helping those on low incomes. There are now so many people who are affluent and/or working in their 60s and it doesn't make sense to me that they should have a free commute to work when others struggle to find work because they can't afford to travel. Maybe set the age for universal free travel at 70 now that people are living and working longer.

sallyfran Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> The universal free travel for over-60s doesn't

> make much sense to me (and I say this as as

> somebody whose partner benefits) as a means of

> putting more money into the system and helping

> those on low incomes. There are now so many

> people who are affluent and/or working in their

> 60s and it doesn't make sense to me that they

> should have a free commute to work when others

> struggle to find work because they can't afford to

> travel. Maybe set the age for universal free

> travel at 70 now that people are living and

> working longer.



Agree with a lot of this. But moving it to 70 would mean a lot of non working over 60s would lose out unfairly. The other option would be means testing, but that might cost more to do than actually providing the passes.

But I find it ridiculous that someone like my dad, who still drives short distances at 75, and gets about 2 buses a year, automatically received a freedom pass. I definintely think it's something you should have to actively apply for rather than it just landing on your doorstep.

Townleygreen Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Otta, you DO have to apply - for one, you have to

> send in your photo!

>

> Alice, yes but you have to pay (only ?20 a year

> though!) for the over 60s Oyster until you qualify

> for Freedom Pass at 66 or whatever the age is now.



Of course you have to send your photo and fill in a form, but unless things have changed, you will automatically receive a letter telling you you're eligible, and most people will take it because it's there.


My point is, make people have to actively go and seek it, that way those that don't really need it probably wouldn't bother.

Apart from any other consideration, encouraging older people who might be less able to walk or cycle to use public transport rather than a car has surely got to be a good thing. Public transport should be cheaper and more attractive to everyone, I feel.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • Luckily I'm at the bottom of the Rye in the Gardens so fortunately not too put out by the noise. I doubt it's very pleasant if you live closer. My issue is about the councils seemingly underhand way of communicating and dealing with local residents concerns and opinions. Basically these type of events go ahead regardless. That to me is a bit snide, dishonest and not how a council should treat its residents. There's a fair bit of damage done to the park and all for the benefit/ profit of a private company and PR consultants/ professional bullshitters.
    • I asked why you go in given that you'd rather it closed because it doesn't provide for your needs.  I have never seen the till not being manned, ever.There are also self service checkouts. Many of the brand sweets and crisps are smaller in size. I guess that's why they cost less to buy.
    • Hi Everyone,  I am an architecture student from the US, and am currently studying the Dawson's Heights Estate. I am having a hard time finding materials to study, so I was wondering if anyone would happen to have any floor plans or other architectural drawings for the building they would be willing to share, or if anyone here could give advice on where I should look?    
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...