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Thousands yet to claim free bus passes
THOUSANDS of Hampshire's over-60s have not yet claimed free bus passes which they are entitled to.
It is estimated that more than 68,000 over-60s living in and around Southampton may not be aware of the free nationwide pensioner bus pass scheme due to start on April 1.
From that date people aged over 60 and the disabled will be able to travel off peak after 9.30am anywhere in England free of charge.
Across all district and borough councils in the area, existing bus pass holders will receive a replacement for use on April 1.
Anyone who has not yet held a pass will have to apply for a new one from their local authority to be able to get free travel.
In some areas, including Southampton, bus passes will start half an hour early allowing travel at 9am.
Figures from the Department for Transport show that 40,145 over 60s in Southampton are entitled to free bus travel anywhere in England.
However, Southampton City Council has so far only issued 30,000 free passes - a shortfall of 10,145.
For the full story, see today's Daily Echo.
6:40am Wednesday 26th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Fred on 6:56am Wed 26 Mar 08
Perhaps the shortfall prefers to drive? What next making it compulsory for the over 60's to use buses instead of their own cars?
Perhaps the shortfall prefers to drive? What next making it compulsory for the over 60's to use buses instead of their own cars?
Posted by: Denzil on 6:58am Wed 26 Mar 08
The library is free - what percentage of over 60's never use them?
The library is free - what percentage of over 60's never use them?
Posted by: bemused, Southampton on 8:27am Wed 26 Mar 08
Maybe there are no buses for them to travel on. Maybe they can not get on the buses. Maybe they are afraid of using the buses - first buses are certainly not nice to travel on. The bus stop outside Portswood church is horrendous with people parking everywhere. The language of the breakfast crew on Saturday morning is awful.Maybe if people left the front seats on the buses for elderly, then they would feel happier travelling on the buses. The unilink are often the worst buses to travel on for the elderly. The students are incapable of going upstairs. They are incapable of walking to the back of the buses. They are incapable of reading the signs for disabled or elderly passengers.
Maybe there are no buses for them to travel on. Maybe they can not get on the buses. Maybe they are afraid of using the buses - first buses are certainly not nice to travel on. The bus stop outside Portswood church is horrendous with people parking everywhere. The language of the breakfast crew on Saturday morning is awful.Maybe if people left the front seats on the buses for elderly, then they would feel happier travelling on the buses. The unilink are often the worst buses to travel on for the elderly. The students are incapable of going upstairs. They are incapable of walking to the back of the buses. They are incapable of reading the signs for disabled or elderly passengers.
Posted by: meme, hants on 8:33am Wed 26 Mar 08
Both my parents have bus passes but as my dad is hard of hearing and cant see very well he likes to go early to avoid crowds, this has been taken away from him as he cannot use it before 9.30. the buses are not even half full when he goes on the bus! my mum is in a wheelchair another reason why she likes to go early, by stopping the older people useing the bus early with their pass is crazy. I may have been like other readers who say "let them wait until later" but i have seen it first hand it can issolate the older person.
Both my parents have bus passes but as my dad is hard of hearing and cant see very well he likes to go early to avoid crowds, this has been taken away from him as he cannot use it before 9.30. the buses are not even half full when he goes on the bus! my mum is in a wheelchair another reason why she likes to go early, by stopping the older people useing the bus early with their pass is crazy. I may have been like other readers who say "let them wait until later" but i have seen it first hand it can issolate the older person.
Posted by: Fred on 8:37am Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]meme[/bold] wrote:
Both my parents have bus passes but as my dad is hard of hearing and cant see very well he likes to go early to avoid crowds, this has been taken away from him as he cannot use it before 9.30. the buses are not even half full when he goes on the bus! my mum is in a wheelchair another reason why she likes to go early, by stopping the older people useing the bus early with their pass is crazy. I may have been like other readers who say "let them wait until later" but i have seen it first hand it can issolate the older person.[/quote] "In some areas, including Southampton, bus passes will start half an hour early allowing travel at 9am."
So how early was he able to travel for free under the old system?
meme wrote:
Both my parents have bus passes but as my dad is hard of hearing and cant see very well he likes to go early to avoid crowds, this has been taken away from him as he cannot use it before 9.30. the buses are not even half full when he goes on the bus! my mum is in a wheelchair another reason why she likes to go early, by stopping the older people useing the bus early with their pass is crazy. I may have been like other readers who say "let them wait until later" but i have seen it first hand it can issolate the older person.
"In some areas, including Southampton, bus passes will start half an hour early allowing travel at 9am."
So how early was he able to travel for free under the old system?
Posted by: Osama Bin Laden, A Cave far far away on 9:29am Wed 26 Mar 08
They are too busy to claim, they have a relegation fight to concentrate on. Come on you saints!!!
They are too busy to claim, they have a relegation fight to concentrate on. Come on you saints!!!
Posted by: Boatman, Marchwood on 9:50am Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote]So how early was he able to travel for free under the old system?[/quote]
Certainly in New Forest at any time. The new arrangements are bad news unless you frequently want to travel on buses outside Hampshire.
So how early was he able to travel for free under the old system?
Certainly in New Forest at any time. The new arrangements are bad news unless you frequently want to travel on buses outside Hampshire.
Posted by: Unbeliever, Southampton on 9:51am Wed 26 Mar 08
Who wants to slum it on a tatty uncomfortable bus, often rubbing shoulders with uncouth carriers of disease & parasites.
Who wants to slum it on a tatty uncomfortable bus, often rubbing shoulders with uncouth carriers of disease & parasites.
Posted by: Family Man, Bitterne on 10:09am Wed 26 Mar 08
I would have thought a 75% take up was actually quite good! If there are 10145 who have not availed themselves of the oppurtunity of a free bus pass, then it would be interesting to know why... Could it be that some of them would never use public transport, either because they have no need as they have their own transport, or because they simply would never use public transport irrespective of availability, or indeed that they might be incapable of using it for whatever reason.
I would also be interested to know how the inevitable subsidy is paid to the bus companies, is for instance on a flat rate basis on the number of passes issued, or on the (particular) journies undertaken with free bus passes. If the former, it is obviously in the interests of the bus companies to ensure as many passes are issued as possible, if the latter, it simply subsidises those routes used frequently by qualified pensioners.
However, as a very near pensioner myself, I cannot see why one section of the population should receive a subsidy like this, irrespective of means. Surely if there is an argument that one section of the population should receive a benefit based on age and a stereotypified income, so should others, including children of pre-work age who have no income whatsoever... Don't get me wrong, this is not pensioner bashing, it is purely a matter of principle.
When it comes down to it, I believe the real problem is that public transort of any type is run very much for a profit by profit making companies, and that the real answer lies in having an [bold]efficient[/bold] public transport system based on the notion of public service.
I would have thought a 75% take up was actually quite good! If there are 10145 who have not availed themselves of the oppurtunity of a free bus pass, then it would be interesting to know why... Could it be that some of them would never use public transport, either because they have no need as they have their own transport, or because they simply would never use public transport irrespective of availability, or indeed that they might be incapable of using it for whatever reason.
I would also be interested to know how the inevitable subsidy is paid to the bus companies, is for instance on a flat rate basis on the number of passes issued, or on the (particular) journies undertaken with free bus passes. If the former, it is obviously in the interests of the bus companies to ensure as many passes are issued as possible, if the latter, it simply subsidises those routes used frequently by qualified pensioners.
However, as a very near pensioner myself, I cannot see why one section of the population should receive a subsidy like this, irrespective of means. Surely if there is an argument that one section of the population should receive a benefit based on age and a stereotypified income, so should others, including children of pre-work age who have no income whatsoever... Don't get me wrong, this is not pensioner bashing, it is purely a matter of principle.
When it comes down to it, I believe the real problem is that public transort of any type is run very much for a profit by profit making companies, and that the real answer lies in having an
efficient public transport system based on the notion of public service.
Posted by: Know it all, Southampton on 10:51am Wed 26 Mar 08
Don't think anyone realises - Nobody wants the passes. The service is c r a p. Buses are always late, dirty, full of chavs, noisy, smelly and you're be lucky to get a grunt out of the driver who is fixated on going over every pothole, speed ramp and corner as quickly as he/she can. Who wants the bus passes, better to drive yourself while you still can.
Don't think anyone realises - Nobody wants the passes. The service is c r a p. Buses are always late, dirty, full of chavs, noisy, smelly and you're be lucky to get a grunt out of the driver who is fixated on going over every pothole, speed ramp and corner as quickly as he/she can. Who wants the bus passes, better to drive yourself while you still can.
Posted by: King Mush, Woolston on 11:11am Wed 26 Mar 08
Faced with a choice of risking life and limb on a dirty smelly bus full of chavs, pikeys, rowdy schoolbrats, drunks, druggies and all examples of lowlife with the comfort/freedom of the car? Easy one
The government pigs would love to keep the peasants off the roads so they can enjoy their chauffeur driven jaunts from Wasteminster to the private clubs, second/third/fourth homes etc. Latest wheeze by Michael "Del Boy" Martin the Speaker who is spending some £100k of OUR money to fight the appeal to keep their fiddles under wraps.
Faced with a choice of risking life and limb on a dirty smelly bus full of chavs, pikeys, rowdy schoolbrats, drunks, druggies and all examples of lowlife with the comfort/freedom of the car? Easy one
The government pigs would love to keep the peasants off the roads so they can enjoy their chauffeur driven jaunts from Wasteminster to the private clubs, second/third/fourth homes etc. Latest wheeze by Michael "Del Boy" Martin the Speaker who is spending some £100k of OUR money to fight the appeal to keep their fiddles under wraps.
Posted by: bingolover, southampton on 11:23am Wed 26 Mar 08
Just because the bus passes are free doesn't mean that all the people eligible HAVE to use them. I'm sure that many pensioners would rather enjoy the freedom and convenience of their own car than travel on a manky bus.....
Just because the bus passes are free doesn't mean that all the people eligible HAVE to use them. I'm sure that many pensioners would rather enjoy the freedom and convenience of their own car than travel on a manky bus.....
Posted by: Buses on 11:44am Wed 26 Mar 08
Half of them own cars and park for free everywhere.
Half of them own cars and park for free everywhere.
Posted by: bemused, southampton on 12:16pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Familyman, pensioners receive free bus passes because they need them. They should get something from the council tax - they receive little else.
Everybody else gets tax credit, family allowance, income support, council tax benefit - pensioners get very little in this society.
Familyman, pensioners receive free bus passes because they need them. They should get something from the council tax - they receive little else.
Everybody else gets tax credit, family allowance, income support, council tax benefit - pensioners get very little in this society.
Posted by: Paddy on 12:16pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Fred wrote;"In some areas, including Southampton, bus passes will start half an hour early allowing travel at 9am."
So how early was he able to travel for free under the old system?
Easy just get out of bed 1 hour before you wake up.
Fred wrote;"In some areas, including Southampton, bus passes will start half an hour early allowing travel at 9am."
So how early was he able to travel for free under the old system?
Easy just get out of bed 1 hour before you wake up.
Posted by: im a, flower on 2:02pm Wed 26 Mar 08
I travel on the bus everyday. It is not dirty, smelly, full of drunks, druggies etc. It is packed with people going to work. I think it is fair that OAPs do not have the right to travel when there are so many people trying to get to work.
And as for students not sitting upstairs or at the back of the UNILINK bus, why should they? This bus is a UNIVERSITY LINK therefore aimed at students.
All OAPs seem to do is moan and think that they should get preferential treatment above the rest of society. You get free bus travel, stop moaning.
I travel on the bus everyday. It is not dirty, smelly, full of drunks, druggies etc. It is packed with people going to work. I think it is fair that OAPs do not have the right to travel when there are so many people trying to get to work.
And as for students not sitting upstairs or at the back of the UNILINK bus, why should they? This bus is a UNIVERSITY LINK therefore aimed at students.
All OAPs seem to do is moan and think that they should get preferential treatment above the rest of society. You get free bus travel, stop moaning.
Posted by: Your petals have muddled your brain! on 2:34pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]im a[/bold] wrote:
I travel on the bus everyday. It is not dirty, smelly, full of drunks, druggies etc. It is packed with people going to work. I think it is fair that OAPs do not have the right to travel when there are so many people trying to get to work. And as for students not sitting upstairs or at the back of the UNILINK bus, why should they? This bus is a UNIVERSITY LINK therefore aimed at students. All OAPs seem to do is moan and think that they should get preferential treatment above the rest of society. You get free bus travel, stop moaning.[/quote] Maybe just maybe they moan all the time because they have a reason to moan.
Students even on the UNILINK bus should be able to read a sign saying please give up this seat.......granted not many passengers would be pensioners so it shouldn't happen too often.
Most pensioners would not use the bus early so why stop the few that want too, are you saying that there is always enough seats on the rush hour bus so what difference would it make. Why should they be locked in their houses until you feel fit to let them out, or would you just be happier if they were all in rest homes drugged up to their eyeballs and out of sight.........your parents are/will be pensioners as will you one day....what goes around comes around remember
im a wrote:
I travel on the bus everyday. It is not dirty, smelly, full of drunks, druggies etc. It is packed with people going to work. I think it is fair that OAPs do not have the right to travel when there are so many people trying to get to work. And as for students not sitting upstairs or at the back of the UNILINK bus, why should they? This bus is a UNIVERSITY LINK therefore aimed at students. All OAPs seem to do is moan and think that they should get preferential treatment above the rest of society. You get free bus travel, stop moaning.
Maybe just maybe they moan all the time because they have a reason to moan.
Students even on the UNILINK bus should be able to read a sign saying please give up this seat.......granted not many passengers would be pensioners so it shouldn't happen too often.
Most pensioners would not use the bus early so why stop the few that want too, are you saying that there is always enough seats on the rush hour bus so what difference would it make. Why should they be locked in their houses until you feel fit to let them out, or would you just be happier if they were all in rest homes drugged up to their eyeballs and out of sight.........your parents are/will be pensioners as will you one day....what goes around comes around remember
Posted by: Ricardo, Far far away on 2:54pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Your petals have muddled your brain![/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]im a[/bold] wrote: I travel on the bus everyday. It is not dirty, smelly, full of drunks, druggies etc. It is packed with people going to work. I think it is fair that OAPs do not have the right to travel when there are so many people trying to get to work. And as for students not sitting upstairs or at the back of the UNILINK bus, why should they? This bus is a UNIVERSITY LINK therefore aimed at students. All OAPs seem to do is moan and think that they should get preferential treatment above the rest of society. You get free bus travel, stop moaning.[/quote] Maybe just maybe they moan all the time because they have a reason to moan. Students even on the UNILINK bus should be able to read a sign saying please give up this seat.......granted not many passengers would be pensioners so it shouldn\'t happen too often. Most pensioners would not use the bus early so why stop the few that want too, are you saying that there is always enough seats on the rush hour bus so what difference would it make. Why should they be locked in their houses until you feel fit to let them out, or would you just be happier if they were all in rest homes drugged up to their eyeballs and out of sight.........your parents are/will be pensioners as will you one day....what goes around comes around remember[/quote] Whilst I think that some OAPs do deserve some degree of special treatment, ultimately if they are receiving free bus travel they should not be allowed to travel at peak times, when workers- the very people who work hard to pay for the OAP's pensions and free bus tickets- need to travel. Is not being able to travel until 9.30 (and I would argue, between 5 and 6pm) really such an issue when the travel at all other times is free?
Additionally, these free passes really should be means-tested, so that only those with below a certain value of savings or assets receive free travel. There are many pensioners who are very well off and dont need this freebie. Additionally, means-testing might help reduce the numbers of pensioners using buses who could travel by other modes, thus reducing the strain on services, whilst at the same time, allowing those pensioners who cannot afford or are not able to use other means to access buses.
This would have the additional effect of reducing the severe financial impact that the scheme has been having on bus operators. A lot of services, especially those very reliant on pensioner custom, have been WITHDRAWN due to the fact that the settlement scheme forced on bus operators by the government is not adequate to cover the very high cost of insuring and fuelling a bus these days. The loss in revenue over fares being paid either by pensioners themselves, or using local authority travel tokens , etc, is not covered by the free bus pass scheme compensation.
And as far as Uni-Link goes, this is perhaps a service that is a victim of its own success in that it carries huge numbers of passengers (not just students) along a very popular route. Unilink buses are full and standing all day, not just at peak times. While students should try to make way for OAPs where possible, the nukbers of people using these buses is so great that this is not always possible. And yes, uni-link is a service provided primarily for students. Without it, the functioning of Southampton uni would be severely impeded. Pensioners may have to accept that for the foreseeable future their journeys on Unilink may be uncomfortable, but they should also in return be thankful taht, although overcrowded, the service uses clean, well-maintained modern buses at a higher frequency (especially in the evening) than almost any service operated by First or Solent Blue Line.....
Your petals have muddled your brain! wrote:
im a wrote: I travel on the bus everyday. It is not dirty, smelly, full of drunks, druggies etc. It is packed with people going to work. I think it is fair that OAPs do not have the right to travel when there are so many people trying to get to work. And as for students not sitting upstairs or at the back of the UNILINK bus, why should they? This bus is a UNIVERSITY LINK therefore aimed at students. All OAPs seem to do is moan and think that they should get preferential treatment above the rest of society. You get free bus travel, stop moaning.
Maybe just maybe they moan all the time because they have a reason to moan. Students even on the UNILINK bus should be able to read a sign saying please give up this seat.......granted not many passengers would be pensioners so it shouldn\'t happen too often. Most pensioners would not use the bus early so why stop the few that want too, are you saying that there is always enough seats on the rush hour bus so what difference would it make. Why should they be locked in their houses until you feel fit to let them out, or would you just be happier if they were all in rest homes drugged up to their eyeballs and out of sight.........your parents are/will be pensioners as will you one day....what goes around comes around remember
Whilst I think that some OAPs do deserve some degree of special treatment, ultimately if they are receiving free bus travel they should not be allowed to travel at peak times, when workers- the very people who work hard to pay for the OAP's pensions and free bus tickets- need to travel. Is not being able to travel until 9.30 (and I would argue, between 5 and 6pm) really such an issue when the travel at all other times is free?
Additionally, these free passes really should be means-tested, so that only those with below a certain value of savings or assets receive free travel. There are many pensioners who are very well off and dont need this freebie. Additionally, means-testing might help reduce the numbers of pensioners using buses who could travel by other modes, thus reducing the strain on services, whilst at the same time, allowing those pensioners who cannot afford or are not able to use other means to access buses.
This would have the additional effect of reducing the severe financial impact that the scheme has been having on bus operators. A lot of services, especially those very reliant on pensioner custom, have been WITHDRAWN due to the fact that the settlement scheme forced on bus operators by the government is not adequate to cover the very high cost of insuring and fuelling a bus these days. The loss in revenue over fares being paid either by pensioners themselves, or using local authority travel tokens , etc, is not covered by the free bus pass scheme compensation.
And as far as Uni-Link goes, this is perhaps a service that is a victim of its own success in that it carries huge numbers of passengers (not just students) along a very popular route. Unilink buses are full and standing all day, not just at peak times. While students should try to make way for OAPs where possible, the nukbers of people using these buses is so great that this is not always possible. And yes, uni-link is a service provided primarily for students. Without it, the functioning of Southampton uni would be severely impeded. Pensioners may have to accept that for the foreseeable future their journeys on Unilink may be uncomfortable, but they should also in return be thankful taht, although overcrowded, the service uses clean, well-maintained modern buses at a higher frequency (especially in the evening) than almost any service operated by First or Solent Blue Line.....
Posted by: Osama Bin Laden, A Cave far far away on 3:25pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Why dont we just say that when you reach 50 you should be shot thus saving valuable echo space
Why dont we just say that when you reach 50 you should be shot thus saving valuable echo space
Posted by: OAP on 3:34pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Pardon?
Posted by: Robert Thorn on 3:46pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Osama Bin Laden[/bold] wrote:
Why dont we just say that when you reach 50 you should be shot thus saving valuable echo space[/quote] Shot no - digging lead out of my Soylent Green isn't nice. Find some other way - didn't Logan 3 have a system?
Osama Bin Laden wrote:
Why dont we just say that when you reach 50 you should be shot thus saving valuable echo space
Shot no - digging lead out of my Soylent Green isn't nice. Find some other way - didn't Logan 3 have a system?
Posted by: Pensioner on 4:32pm Wed 26 Mar 08
The council do not seem to have got around to renewing all the existing passes - mine has not been renewed even though it is less than a week to the deadline.
Although Ricardo has a valid point and I am sure that most pensioners would be happy to pay a reduced fare as they did before, has he thought how much it would cost for the extra staff to implement a means tested scheme? Please, don't give the council an excuse for yet another department with all it's attendant costs.
The council do not seem to have got around to renewing all the existing passes - mine has not been renewed even though it is less than a week to the deadline.
Although Ricardo has a valid point and I am sure that most pensioners would be happy to pay a reduced fare as they did before, has he thought how much it would cost for the extra staff to implement a means tested scheme? Please, don't give the council an excuse for yet another department with all it's attendant costs.
Posted by: saints fan on 4:56pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Know it all[/bold] wrote:
Don\'t think anyone realises - Nobody wants the passes. The service is c r a p. Buses are always late, dirty, full of chavs, noisy, smelly and you\'re be lucky to get a grunt out of the driver who is fixated on going over every pothole, speed ramp and corner as quickly as he/she can. Who wants the bus passes, better to drive yourself while you still can.[/quote] This is total rubbish my wife and i have used the existing soton passes for many years and i take the car when neccessary we have a very good service from the sholing areanow we shall be able to use the new passes to go further afield[bold]bold[/bold]
Know it all wrote:
Don\'t think anyone realises - Nobody wants the passes. The service is c r a p. Buses are always late, dirty, full of chavs, noisy, smelly and you\'re be lucky to get a grunt out of the driver who is fixated on going over every pothole, speed ramp and corner as quickly as he/she can. Who wants the bus passes, better to drive yourself while you still can.
This is total rubbish my wife and i have used the existing soton passes for many years and i take the car when neccessary we have a very good service from the sholing areanow we shall be able to use the new passes to go further afield
Posted by: Cynic, Southampton on 5:06pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Even if all the bus passes are given out, the buses will still be empty. Only when they are safe to negotiate, comfortable and pleasant to travel in, will they be more fully used. As for "low lifes" the bus companies have to take on this problem .... perhaps transport police on certain bus routes or evening runs?
Unfortunately it will never happen because these things cost money, and the bus companies are only interested in "minimum cost for maximum profit" with no longer term investment.
Even if all the bus passes are given out, the buses will still be empty. Only when they are safe to negotiate, comfortable and pleasant to travel in, will they be more fully used. As for "low lifes" the bus companies have to take on this problem .... perhaps transport police on certain bus routes or evening runs?
Unfortunately it will never happen because these things cost money, and the bus companies are only interested in "minimum cost for maximum profit" with no longer term investment.
Posted by: more petals.... on 5:55pm Wed 26 Mar 08
"Whilst I think that some OAPs do deserve some degree of special treatment, ultimately if they are receiving free bus travel they should not be allowed to travel at peak times, when workers- the very people who work hard to pay for the OAP's pensions and free bus tickets- need to travel. Is not being able to travel until 9.30 (and I would argue, between 5 and 6pm) really such an issue when the travel at all other times is free? "
Did these pensioners never work hard and pay their taxes too then ????????
As I stated already most would not want to travel early so why stop the few that do ?
As for UNILINK...in my day it was quite possible for students to jump onto a bike to travel to their studies/home, so should they really moan if a few older people happen to use a bus they feel should just be for them, after all without trying to sound corney or anything and someone had to say it at some point.....they did fight a war for us you know is it so much to give them a bus pass and let them use it whenever they want to.
As for the cost to the companies, not the pensioners fault take it up with those in charge !!
"Whilst I think that some OAPs do deserve some degree of special treatment, ultimately if they are receiving free bus travel they should not be allowed to travel at peak times, when workers- the very people who work hard to pay for the OAP's pensions and free bus tickets- need to travel. Is not being able to travel until 9.30 (and I would argue, between 5 and 6pm) really such an issue when the travel at all other times is free? "
Did these pensioners never work hard and pay their taxes too then ????????
As I stated already most would not want to travel early so why stop the few that do ?
As for UNILINK...in my day it was quite possible for students to jump onto a bike to travel to their studies/home, so should they really moan if a few older people happen to use a bus they feel should just be for them, after all without trying to sound corney or anything and someone had to say it at some point.....they did fight a war for us you know is it so much to give them a bus pass and let them use it whenever they want to.
As for the cost to the companies, not the pensioners fault take it up with those in charge !!
Posted by: Duh, Southampton on 5:58pm Wed 26 Mar 08
The older generation should be able to have free passes to use when they feel like it. The vast majority of old people have been bought up to get up early to do an honest days work. I know one thing, when I'm old I will want to catch the bus early to do my shopping before the chavs get out of bed and hit the buses on the way to the Job Centre to get there money.
The older generation should be able to have free passes to use when they feel like it. The vast majority of old people have been bought up to get up early to do an honest days work. I know one thing, when I'm old I will want to catch the bus early to do my shopping before the chavs get out of bed and hit the buses on the way to the Job Centre to get there money.
Posted by: paul b on 8:14pm Wed 26 Mar 08
If they could make all benefit claimers sit upstairs on the bus and leave the downstairs for normal people im sure more people would use the buses
If they could make all benefit claimers sit upstairs on the bus and leave the downstairs for normal people im sure more people would use the buses
Posted by: meme, hants on 8:20pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Fred[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]meme[/bold] wrote: Both my parents have bus passes but as my dad is hard of hearing and cant see very well he likes to go early to avoid crowds, this has been taken away from him as he cannot use it before 9.30. the buses are not even half full when he goes on the bus! my mum is in a wheelchair another reason why she likes to go early, by stopping the older people useing the bus early with their pass is crazy. I may have been like other readers who say "let them wait until later" but i have seen it first hand it can issolate the older person.[/quote] "In some areas, including Southampton, bus passes will start half an hour early allowing travel at 9am." So how early was he able to travel for free under the old system?[/quote] Hi he would be on the bus at 8am then be home by about 2pm that way he would miss most of the crowds, he does live in the new forest area. He is 84 years old and enjoys getting out and about.
Fred wrote:
meme wrote: Both my parents have bus passes but as my dad is hard of hearing and cant see very well he likes to go early to avoid crowds, this has been taken away from him as he cannot use it before 9.30. the buses are not even half full when he goes on the bus! my mum is in a wheelchair another reason why she likes to go early, by stopping the older people useing the bus early with their pass is crazy. I may have been like other readers who say "let them wait until later" but i have seen it first hand it can issolate the older person.
"In some areas, including Southampton, bus passes will start half an hour early allowing travel at 9am." So how early was he able to travel for free under the old system?
Hi he would be on the bus at 8am then be home by about 2pm that way he would miss most of the crowds, he does live in the new forest area. He is 84 years old and enjoys getting out and about.
Posted by: Pensioner, Waterside, Waterside on 9:49pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Some pensioners still have to work and have not got the time to avail themselves of free bus travel.
Some pensioners still have to work and have not got the time to avail themselves of free bus travel.
Posted by: Ricardo, Far far away on 9:55am Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]more petals....[/bold] wrote:
"Whilst I think that some OAPs do deserve some degree of special treatment, ultimately if they are receiving free bus travel they should not be allowed to travel at peak times, when workers- the very people who work hard to pay for the OAP's pensions and free bus tickets- need to travel. Is not being able to travel until 9.30 (and I would argue, between 5 and 6pm) really such an issue when the travel at all other times is free? " Did these pensioners never work hard and pay their taxes too then ???????? As I stated already most would not want to travel early so why stop the few that do ? As for UNILINK...in my day it was quite possible for students to jump onto a bike to travel to their studies/home, so should they really moan if a few older people happen to use a bus they feel should just be for them, after all without trying to sound corney or anything and someone had to say it at some point.....they did fight a war for us you know is it so much to give them a bus pass and let them use it whenever they want to. As for the cost to the companies, not the pensioners fault take it up with those in charge !! [/quote] Of course, back in your day, traffic volumes were much lower and it was far safer to cycle than it is now.
Also, do you seriously expect students to ride all the way to the NOC on a wet and dark winter morning?
And yes, whilst the pensioners may well have paid their taxes, some of them are sufficiently well off enough to have no reasonable right to claim free travel, whilst for the rest, whilst I dont at all begrudge free or heavily subsidised travel, this should not be at the cost of those who are reliant on bus services to get to work to support themselves and families, whilst paying full fare to do so.
I think, petals, you need to get a grip on the fact that we need to run the country based on present and future priorities and not on past priorities. This doesnt mean we cant accommodate pensioners, it just means that at certain times of day they should accept that they are not a priority.
more petals.... wrote:
"Whilst I think that some OAPs do deserve some degree of special treatment, ultimately if they are receiving free bus travel they should not be allowed to travel at peak times, when workers- the very people who work hard to pay for the OAP's pensions and free bus tickets- need to travel. Is not being able to travel until 9.30 (and I would argue, between 5 and 6pm) really such an issue when the travel at all other times is free? " Did these pensioners never work hard and pay their taxes too then ???????? As I stated already most would not want to travel early so why stop the few that do ? As for UNILINK...in my day it was quite possible for students to jump onto a bike to travel to their studies/home, so should they really moan if a few older people happen to use a bus they feel should just be for them, after all without trying to sound corney or anything and someone had to say it at some point.....they did fight a war for us you know is it so much to give them a bus pass and let them use it whenever they want to. As for the cost to the companies, not the pensioners fault take it up with those in charge !!
Of course, back in your day, traffic volumes were much lower and it was far safer to cycle than it is now.
Also, do you seriously expect students to ride all the way to the NOC on a wet and dark winter morning?
And yes, whilst the pensioners may well have paid their taxes, some of them are sufficiently well off enough to have no reasonable right to claim free travel, whilst for the rest, whilst I dont at all begrudge free or heavily subsidised travel, this should not be at the cost of those who are reliant on bus services to get to work to support themselves and families, whilst paying full fare to do so.
I think, petals, you need to get a grip on the fact that we need to run the country based on present and future priorities and not on past priorities. This doesnt mean we cant accommodate pensioners, it just means that at certain times of day they should accept that they are not a priority.
Posted by: Chipper, Southampton on 1:25pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]bemused[/bold] wrote:
Maybe there are no buses for them to travel on. Maybe they can not get on the buses. Maybe they are afraid of using the buses - first buses are certainly not nice to travel on. The bus stop outside Portswood church is horrendous with people parking everywhere. The language of the breakfast crew on Saturday morning is awful.Maybe if people left the front seats on the buses for elderly, then they would feel happier travelling on the buses. The unilink are often the worst buses to travel on for the elderly. The students are incapable of going upstairs. They are incapable of walking to the back of the buses. They are incapable of reading the signs for disabled or elderly passengers.[/quote] No, [italic]I'm[/italic] bemused. Maybe, maybe, maybe....just maybe, some pensioners prefer to drive, in much the same way that maybe, some students, workers, unemployed people prefer to drive. Why does this mean, therefore, that the bus service is poor. You mention 1 bus, 1 bus route, 1 bus stop, and now all buses are bad? Get a grip.
The Unilink bus service is so called for a reason. It isn't called OAP-link or pensioner-link is it? Maybe you are iuncapable of realising that. Students aren't incapable of moving upstairs, giving up their seats or moving to the back of the bus. Maybe they don't want to give up their seat to a miserable old codger like yourself who does nothing but moan.
Maybe, you are incapable of seeing that. Maybe some people haven't applied for a free bus pass, just because they don't want one. And it's as simple as that.
bemused wrote:
Maybe there are no buses for them to travel on. Maybe they can not get on the buses. Maybe they are afraid of using the buses - first buses are certainly not nice to travel on. The bus stop outside Portswood church is horrendous with people parking everywhere. The language of the breakfast crew on Saturday morning is awful.Maybe if people left the front seats on the buses for elderly, then they would feel happier travelling on the buses. The unilink are often the worst buses to travel on for the elderly. The students are incapable of going upstairs. They are incapable of walking to the back of the buses. They are incapable of reading the signs for disabled or elderly passengers.
No,
I'm bemused. Maybe, maybe, maybe....just maybe, some pensioners prefer to drive, in much the same way that maybe, some students, workers, unemployed people prefer to drive. Why does this mean, therefore, that the bus service is poor. You mention 1 bus, 1 bus route, 1 bus stop, and now all buses are bad? Get a grip.
The Unilink bus service is so called for a reason. It isn't called OAP-link or pensioner-link is it? Maybe you are iuncapable of realising that. Students aren't incapable of moving upstairs, giving up their seats or moving to the back of the bus. Maybe they don't want to give up their seat to a miserable old codger like yourself who does nothing but moan.
Maybe, you are incapable of seeing that. Maybe some people haven't applied for a free bus pass, just because they don't want one. And it's as simple as that.
Posted by: Chipper, Southampton on 1:35pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Family Man[/bold] wrote:
I would have thought a 75% take up was actually quite good! If there are 10145 who have not availed themselves of the oppurtunity of a free bus pass, then it would be interesting to know why... Could it be that some of them would never use public transport, either because they have no need as they have their own transport, or because they simply would never use public transport irrespective of availability, or indeed that they might be incapable of using it for whatever reason. I would also be interested to know how the inevitable subsidy is paid to the bus companies, is for instance on a flat rate basis on the number of passes issued, or on the (particular) journies undertaken with free bus passes. If the former, it is obviously in the interests of the bus companies to ensure as many passes are issued as possible, if the latter, it simply subsidises those routes used frequently by qualified pensioners. However, as a very near pensioner myself, I cannot see why one section of the population should receive a subsidy like this, irrespective of means. Surely if there is an argument that one section of the population should receive a benefit based on age and a stereotypified income, so should others, including children of pre-work age who have no income whatsoever... Don't get me wrong, this is not pensioner bashing, it is purely a matter of principle. When it comes down to it, I believe the real problem is that public transort of any type is run very much for a profit by profit making companies, and that the real answer lies in having an [bold]efficient[/bold] public transport system based on the notion of public service.[/quote] Fully agree Family Man. A balanced, well thought out view.
I don't agree that pensioners should by right, be entitled to free TV licences, bus passes, heating etc. Yes, they may well have contributed to the economy, but not necessarily have.
Not all pensioners are hard-up. Some may not have worked in their lives because they are workshy, or lived out of the country. Why should I, as a taxpayer, subsidise their retirement? Some may have worked all of their lives, and simply not saved for their retirement. It's not just the government's fault you know? I work in financial services and come across many pensioners who have made excellent provision for their retirement, and others who could afford to do so, but just didn't bother, preferring to rely on the state. Should they each be entitled to the same level of freebies in retirement? In my opinion, no.
Being of pensionable age simply means that one has reached a certain age and no longer wishes to work, is no longer fit to work or is simply able to afford not to work. It isn't a divine right to everything for free.
State benefits, bus passes, heating etc, should [italic]all[/italic] be means tested.
The idea that every pensioner is hard done by and pooorly treated is a myth conjured up by the press, Age Concern and opposition parties.
We, who are still working, are in no different a position to pensioners of today; I still have to contribute to a pension, and save each month, pay my mortgage, my TV licence, my council tax. I don't expect my life to be subsidised now or in retirement. Reliance on the State in retirement is a poor choice - the state pension is designed to allow the recipient to survive, and nothing more. And so it should be. If you want a better lifestyle during your working life or in retirement, you have to work for it.
Family Man wrote:
I would have thought a 75% take up was actually quite good! If there are 10145 who have not availed themselves of the oppurtunity of a free bus pass, then it would be interesting to know why... Could it be that some of them would never use public transport, either because they have no need as they have their own transport, or because they simply would never use public transport irrespective of availability, or indeed that they might be incapable of using it for whatever reason. I would also be interested to know how the inevitable subsidy is paid to the bus companies, is for instance on a flat rate basis on the number of passes issued, or on the (particular) journies undertaken with free bus passes. If the former, it is obviously in the interests of the bus companies to ensure as many passes are issued as possible, if the latter, it simply subsidises those routes used frequently by qualified pensioners. However, as a very near pensioner myself, I cannot see why one section of the population should receive a subsidy like this, irrespective of means. Surely if there is an argument that one section of the population should receive a benefit based on age and a stereotypified income, so should others, including children of pre-work age who have no income whatsoever... Don't get me wrong, this is not pensioner bashing, it is purely a matter of principle. When it comes down to it, I believe the real problem is that public transort of any type is run very much for a profit by profit making companies, and that the real answer lies in having an efficient public transport system based on the notion of public service.
Fully agree Family Man. A balanced, well thought out view.
I don't agree that pensioners should by right, be entitled to free TV licences, bus passes, heating etc. Yes, they may well have contributed to the economy, but not necessarily have.
Not all pensioners are hard-up. Some may not have worked in their lives because they are workshy, or lived out of the country. Why should I, as a taxpayer, subsidise their retirement? Some may have worked all of their lives, and simply not saved for their retirement. It's not just the government's fault you know? I work in financial services and come across many pensioners who have made excellent provision for their retirement, and others who could afford to do so, but just didn't bother, preferring to rely on the state. Should they each be entitled to the same level of freebies in retirement? In my opinion, no.
Being of pensionable age simply means that one has reached a certain age and no longer wishes to work, is no longer fit to work or is simply able to afford not to work. It isn't a divine right to everything for free.
State benefits, bus passes, heating etc, should
all be means tested.
The idea that every pensioner is hard done by and pooorly treated is a myth conjured up by the press, Age Concern and opposition parties.
We, who are still working, are in no different a position to pensioners of today; I still have to contribute to a pension, and save each month, pay my mortgage, my TV licence, my council tax. I don't expect my life to be subsidised now or in retirement. Reliance on the State in retirement is a poor choice - the state pension is designed to allow the recipient to survive, and nothing more. And so it should be. If you want a better lifestyle during your working life or in retirement, you have to work for it.
Posted by: Chipper, Southampton on 1:38pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Pensioner[/bold] wrote:
The council do not seem to have got around to renewing all the existing passes - mine has not been renewed even though it is less than a week to the deadline. Although Ricardo has a valid point and I am sure that most pensioners would be happy to pay a reduced fare as they did before, has he thought how much it would cost for the extra staff to implement a means tested scheme? Please, don't give the council an excuse for yet another department with all it's attendant costs.[/quote] Report back if the council haven't provided you with your renewed bus pass after the expiry date, then perhaps you will have something to moan about.
Pensioner wrote:
The council do not seem to have got around to renewing all the existing passes - mine has not been renewed even though it is less than a week to the deadline. Although Ricardo has a valid point and I am sure that most pensioners would be happy to pay a reduced fare as they did before, has he thought how much it would cost for the extra staff to implement a means tested scheme? Please, don't give the council an excuse for yet another department with all it's attendant costs.
Report back if the council haven't provided you with your renewed bus pass after the expiry date, then perhaps you will have something to moan about.
Posted by: Chipper, Southampton on 1:41pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Pensioner, Waterside[/bold] wrote:
Some pensioners still have to work and have not got the time to avail themselves of free bus travel.[/quote] ..and some people under the age of 60/61/62/63/64/65/68 (delete which state reirement age applies to you) are well-off enough not to have work at all.
Whats the difference? What's your point? You deserve sympathy and my financial support because you didn't save hard enough for your retirement?
Pensioner, Waterside wrote:
Some pensioners still have to work and have not got the time to avail themselves of free bus travel.
..and some people under the age of 60/61/62/63/64/65/68 (delete which state reirement age applies to you) are well-off enough not to have work at all.
Whats the difference? What's your point? You deserve sympathy and my financial support because you didn't save hard enough for your retirement?
Posted by: Mike, Southampton on 2:49pm Tue 1 Apr 08
Most over 60s who are now eligible for free bus use, have probably worked and payed taxes for most of their life. Additionally they have probably also paid Council Rates. Students don't contribute to the rates, neither do benefit takers, non-registered immigrants or illegal folk - so would suggest that free bus pass people will most likely actually be legal-status folk. Bent ones theoretically should not be able to get them! They will contnue to fare-dodge!!
Most over 60s who are now eligible for free bus use, have probably worked and payed taxes for most of their life. Additionally they have probably also paid Council Rates. Students don't contribute to the rates, neither do benefit takers, non-registered immigrants or illegal folk - so would suggest that free bus pass people will most likely actually be legal-status folk. Bent ones theoretically should not be able to get them! They will contnue to fare-dodge!!
Posted by: ann jones on 8:54pm Mon 7 Apr 08
I phoned EHDC today to ask how to get my bus pass but was told that I can't have one because I have a disabled rail pass. This happen to anyone else?
I phoned EHDC today to ask how to get my bus pass but was told that I can't have one because I have a disabled rail pass. This happen to anyone else?
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