Bus Passes: Important Info !!

[unicornheart]

I think it a good thing free bus passes it is getting folk out that would otherwise be at home, travel is expensive and it's good to see them out and about were otherwise they would be stuck at home because of costs.

[morag]

What did they do years ago before free bus passes? Either walked or paid. I'm fine with it where there's need but I'm afraid too many will take it just because it's free.

[unicornheart]

I walk everywere and carry my pass incase the weather changes, but I am lucky to be able to do that, a lot can't so for them it's a great thing, mind you I have heard folk calling us the coffin dodgers!! And if they have worked all their lives why not?

[gerv]

I dont mind the pensioners getting the free bus passes, but draw the line at the drug addicts and the ones that know how to screw the system.

[morag]

totally with you on that.

[Meg]

I dont mind the pensioners getting the free bus passes, but draw the line at the drug addicts and the ones that know how to screw the system.

On a Saturday morning in Ayr we pass the methadone line outside Boots. Most have arrived by taxi paid for by the taxpayer (they also get a taxi home) - this wont be once a week, this will be every day. Surely it would be a better use of public funds to give these people a bus pass.

[sweet caroline]

Well ,i was on Statins,and now need a taxi to get to a bus stop ,never mind the bus fare LOL.
not self inflicted ,like your Drug addicts ,who cannot be barred from chemists were they get their methodone fix ,and still shoplift while their at it.

sweet caroline

[meekan]

I believe that if they were to do away with senior bus passes or restrict them there would be a drastic reduction in the number of services available to the public in general. I seldom travel by bus but any time I do the number of passes being presented are numerous.
If these supposed "free travellers" most of whom have been heavily taxed during their working life, so maybe not so free, were eliminated from bus travel scheme, then the bus companies would find it difficult to sustain some services, resulting in more redundancies.
The argument for junkies and screw the system types is a different one and runs parallel with the abuse of mobility cars.
Sorry Morag I don't like disagreeing with you but in days gone past we use to send children up chimneys. But besides that most of the population in days gone by stayed in town near the shops, but nowadays lots of people live out of town, and out of time shopping has become the norm and town centres are becoming ghost towns. I stay across from a bus stop and I see lots of seniors use the bus to go to and from Saltcoats town centre, I doubt whether they could or would walk down town and back up the hill home. Could they pay ?I don't know, but I know most of them and they have worked all their lives up to retirement and deserve some thing back from society.
I'll try no tae disagree wi you again

[morag]

I've no problem with services made available to those who need them, Meekan, just as you say those who abuse the system, but I guess better to include them than possibly exclude genuine needs.

Forgiven this time! Try it again an' I'll send Alan roon tae 'talk' to ye! lol!

[meekan]

Bless you lass

[h ballantyne]

The present system is wide open to abuse. I know several folk with passes who shouldnt have them, that said cant wait to get mine in another 3 yrs tho they will probably be withdrawn by then knowing my luck!!

[irejim]

In NSW we have a travel ticket train/bus/ferry for $2.50 and can take you all over the place.

and a free countrylink ticket twice a year. We love it. Going to Parkes for the Elvis Festival in January for free travel.