We'll keep free buses for over-60s, pledges council (From Bournemouth Echo)
When news happens text pix and video to 80360. Start your message with BE then leave a space.
We'll keep free buses for over-60s, pledges council
2:00pm Monday 28th January 2013 in News
EAST Dorset District councillors have said they are committed to keep bus travel free for over-60s and disabled people.
The council’s resources committee have unanimously approved the renewal of all-day travel for these concessionary bus passes until at least October 2016.
Although the national scheme limits concessionary bus travel to start after 9.30am, East Dorset residents have been allowed to also travel before 9.30am with their bus passes.
This arrangement was due to end in April, but the vote will make sure the pass is valid all day.
The cost of the all-day scheme is estimated at around £36,000 per year, but dropping it would have meant paying £27,000 for replacement bus passes.
A spokesperson from the district council said: “The net cost of continuing it is therefore only £9,000 for 2013/14.”
Resources committee chairman Alex Clarke said: “I am very pleased with the decision as it enables the over-60s and disabled to use the bus services to the full.”
The recommendations from the committee will be received for ratification by the meeting of the full council on February 25.
Comments(6)
skydriver
says...
5:54pm Mon 28 Jan 13
l'anglais wrote:When they pay in then you get out,
Why do the over 60's deserve free Buses more than any other member of Society?
Especially those who drive.
This should be income related, therefore should include all under 18's.
ie 40 years of paying tax entitles you as an 18 year old you have NOT paid in therefore no payout.
Quite simple.
guisselle
says...
7:24pm Mon 28 Jan 13
free bus to school while others struggle
and have to pay.
twynham
says...
9:19pm Mon 28 Jan 13
l'anglais wrote:Living in Purewell I have a Yellow Bus going past my window every 5 minutes in each direction.
Why do the over 60's deserve free Buses more than any other member of Society?
Especially those who drive.
This should be income related, therefore should include all under 18's.
.
If it wasn't for bus passes those drivers would have a very lonely life!
guisselle
says...
5:07am Tue 29 Jan 13
twynham wrote:Not forgetting the X53 to Weymouth!
l'anglais wrote:Living in Purewell I have a Yellow Bus going past my window every 5 minutes in each direction.
Why do the over 60's deserve free Buses more than any other member of Society?
Especially those who drive.
This should be income related, therefore should include all under 18's.
.
If it wasn't for bus passes those drivers would have a very lonely life!
l'anglais
says...
1:01pm Tue 29 Jan 13
skydriver wrote:What have you paid into exactly?
l'anglais wrote:When they pay in then you get out,
Why do the over 60's deserve free Buses more than any other member of Society?
Especially those who drive.
This should be income related, therefore should include all under 18's.
ie 40 years of paying tax entitles you as an 18 year old you have NOT paid in therefore no payout.
Quite simple.
Income Tax or VAT doesn't keep your local bus running, fare payers do.
I've been buying apples from Tesco's for the past 30 years, do I get them free when I am 60?
l'anglais says...
4:13pm Mon 28 Jan 13
Especially those who drive.
This should be income related, therefore should include all under 18's.