Free bus pass scheme proves a lifeline for elderly
PUBLIC transport has been described as a "lifeline" for many older people in Swansea.
Speaking on the 10th anniversary of the free bus pass scheme for over-60s in Wales, Swansea Council's cabinet member for place, June Burtonshaw, said the initiative gave people peace of mind in knowing that they could visit friends or attend medical appointments without having to worry about cost.
Almost 60,000 concessionary passes have been issued across the city and county of Swansea since they were launched in September 2002.
To celebrate the milestone, John Richards from Colwyn Bay has hopped on a bus and is circling the country, stopping off in Swansea on Thursday — he undertook a similar trip when the scheme was originally launched a decade ago.
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Councillor Burtonshaw said: "I want to congratulate John on his awareness-raising efforts.
"Swansea Council has a strong commitment to supporting public transport because they are vital services for the elderly and others who can't afford to run a car or aren't able to drive.
"It is not an overstatement to say public transport is a lifeline for many older people in Swansea.
"The over-60s bus pass gives people peace of mind that they'll be able to go shopping, visit friends and attend hospital appointments without worrying about the cost."
Mr Richards's five day tour takes him to Rhyl, Denbigh, Wrexham, Dolgellau, Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Newtown, Brecon, Cardiff, Swansea, Llanelli, Carmarthen, Cardigan, Porthmadog, Bangor, and Conwy. The bus pass initiative — which allows free travel on registered local buses for the over 60s and all disabled people — sees taxpayers refunding the cost of concessionary travel to bus operators.
The scheme will cost some £213 million from 2011-14.
Welsh Government Minister for Transport, Carl Sargeant, said the scheme has made a great difference throughout the country for the last ten years.
He said: "The free bus pass scheme has greatly improved the lives of so many people in Wales."
Since its introduction, it is estimated that more than 400 million journeys have been taken by concessionary fare holders in Wales.
jason.evans@swwmedia.co.uk
01792 514605
Comments
by AndyJenkins84
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 5:20PM
“In some ways free bus passes is an economically stimulative programme. While I agree that there are probably some who have the money to pay for their bus tickets themselves, there are a lot more who now travel often because of their bus passes.
I know many people 60+ who either meet up in Neath, or go on to Swansea to socialise more because they have this freedom to do so. Also, because they have more money in their pocket, they spend more and boost the economy.
Yeah, it may have some problems, but it's a good system nonetheless.”
by Neathboy234
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 4:45PM
“it's not even 17 but 18 lol”
by Neathboy234
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 4:44PM
“williamwaun I'm working tonight, and it's not 16 but 17 days off.”
by williamwaun
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 4:34PM
“Neath boy you should start using the bus, that's why fares are so high. You never use the bus you never work because you are on here everyday putting people down. How much benefits do you claim, and don't tell me you work and have 16days off. Comment on the posts in future, rather than involving other people.
The old age and genuine disabled have benefited massively, through free passes. We need to put more services on, and opening it to private companies.”
by arnoldlane
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 4:29PM
“Lets put the record straight, bus passes are not free they are paid by the assembly SO ARE NOT FREE.
Bus passes need to be looked into as people are using them to go to work, I know someone earning £2000 a wek yes two thousand who goes to work on a free bus pass.
Bus passes should be issued to those over 65 not 60 and limited based on income.
In England they are raising the age for bus passes to 65 at present you have to be 61 to get a bus pass, in scScotland you only get a free bus pass during off peak.”
by arnoldlane
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 4:25PM
“o”
by Neathboy234
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 3:48PM
“perhaps we could some of the £40 billion that was due to be spent on the high speed rail like, on our buses instead.
BTW i never catch a bus myself, just thinking of others and the planet”
by swanseajock
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 2:40PM
“The bus fares are so high because we are subsidising the "free" travel for the elderly and possibly others, whether they could afford it or not. It has still got to be paid.”
by Neathboy234
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 11:55AM
“It is quite expensive to catch the bus these days. Lowering bus fairs for all would be a great idea and help the environment as well. Why not cut another few billion of the defense(WAR) budget, and spend the savings on something useful.”