Buses are really important to people on low incomes

[TB2]

http://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/news/view?id=562&x[0]=news/list is a new piece of research showing how travel costs are really hitting people on low incomes and how important buses are to them to finding and getting to and from work.

[Blah Blah]

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.

[Ridgley]

Very good thread for myself I tend to work only in the South East or South West area for this reason.

[NewWave]

I pay ?1500 a year for the privillage of standing for 40mins each way on overcrowded trains.

It sucks

[sallyfran]

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.

[Townleygreen]

I believe you don't get them until you are 66 these days, so we're getting close to your suggestion, sallyfran.

[alice]

oyster over 60s still around - free travel

[Otta]

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.

[Otta]

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]

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.

[aerie]

sallyfran, although a freedom pass can be used anytime on a bus, it is not valid until 9.30 am on mainline trains

[Otta]

Townleygreen Wrote:

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> 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.

[Earl Aelfheah]

Buses are pretty important for most of us getting to and from work.

[Jennys]

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.