May be of Interest to Bus Pass Users

Whereas the national minimum is a start time of 9.30am here in Lincolnshire it is certainly 9am, and something I read the other day seemed to suggest it was all day.

I believe we get them at 60 up here in Scotland, and we can use them at any time.   Some discounts on local trains too I think, but not  free.

Just an update. I noticed today that the petition has now achieved the 10,000 votes which means the Government now need to provide an answer. I am not confident that it will be positive but perhaps I should wait and see?

David

The Petition has now reached over 15000 signatures.

The other news is that the Government has responded, unfortunately negatively, why am I not surprised. They did say that there is provision in the 2007 Act to allow mutual use of Bus Passes. However their reason (excuse?) is that the four countries that make up the UK have differing ages at which you are entitled to a pass and some have more generous options. Maybe its just me but I would have thought that if you have a bus pass issued in Scotland, regardless of the age of qualification and other enhanced benefits, all you would be using in England, Wales or NI is to get a free ride on a bus. I don't see where the complication is? 

David

Sensible decision at government level. It will save taxpayers stumping up more money for OAPs on holiday to ride free on buses 

A bit of an artificial argument that, because different English authorities have different terms. Eg here in Lincs we don’t need to wait until 9.30 am to use my pass but when I go to my regular hospital appt in Nottingham and catch the bus from the park and ride I have to pay if it is before 9.30.