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Pensioner criticises bus scheme
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| Critical: Gwynneth Cooke |
A PENSIONER has said a new national concessionary bus pass scheme was unfair, as the times the pass allows people to travel varies between districts.
The new pass, which comes into force on April 1, entitles anyone over 60 or disabled to free travel on local buses between 9.30am and 11pm.
But three out of five district councils in Oxfordshire have decided to run the Government- subsidised scheme from 9am instead, and meet the extra cost themselves, although Cherwell and Vale of White Horse District Councils have not.
Gwynneth Cooke, 73, from Kidlington, said: "I realise these passes are issued by different councils, but surely if a scheme is national, then it should be just that, not national with regional variations."
Both leaders of Cherwell and the Vale said the decision not to extend the scheme was taken for financial reasons.
Cherwell leader Barry Wood said it would cost council taxpayers an extra £120,000 annually.
He added that extending the scheme in the future was still a possibility.
12:46am Monday 24th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Alwyn, Didcot on 1:00am Mon 24 Mar 08
The Rail scheme is from 9am so it makes life difficult for those combining train and bus transport. There is also the problem of passing from one area to another. Frankly it is something of a mess.
The Rail scheme is from 9am so it makes life difficult for those combining train and bus transport. There is also the problem of passing from one area to another. Frankly it is something of a mess.
Posted by: jd, oxford on 5:59am Mon 24 Mar 08
Those people moaning should just be grateful that they are getting free travel anyway - so they have to wait half an hour in some cases - if it bothers people that much then surely (if a journey is absolutely necessary) they can pay the bus fare for that one trip? Personally I would just be pleased that my travel costs were now free, all it takes is a little planning on the part of the over 60's.
Those people moaning should just be grateful that they are getting free travel anyway - so they have to wait half an hour in some cases - if it bothers people that much then surely (if a journey is absolutely necessary) they can pay the bus fare for that one trip? Personally I would just be pleased that my travel costs were now free, all it takes is a little planning on the part of the over 60's.
Posted by: Wantage Exile, Sale on 10:15am Mon 24 Mar 08
It might seem harsh but there is a financial cost which leads to higher Council Tax
It might seem harsh but there is a financial cost which leads to higher Council Tax
Posted by: Simon Gibbs, IOW on 10:57am Mon 24 Mar 08
We've had the scheme here for some time and it is used very extensively - so much so that the local bus company is cutting evening services because it cannot afford the total costs incurred. Presumably Ms Cooke would be happier if the three councils had not extended their schemes?!!!
We've had the scheme here for some time and it is used very extensively - so much so that the local bus company is cutting evening services because it cannot afford the total costs incurred. Presumably Ms Cooke would be happier if the three councils had not extended their schemes?!!!
Posted by: Andrew, Oxford on 11:13am Mon 24 Mar 08
What an incrediby greedy old woman.
What an incrediby greedy old woman.
Posted by: JK, VoWH on 11:29am Mon 24 Mar 08
You give people something for nothing and they still complain! Not that it is for nothing as we are all paying for it anyway through Council tax etc. Who wants to travel during peak times on over-crowded buses etc? Leave the house at 9-9.15, get a bus at 9.30 seems a very civilised way to start the day!!
You give people something for nothing and they still complain! Not that it is for nothing as we are all paying for it anyway through Council tax etc. Who wants to travel during peak times on over-crowded buses etc? Leave the house at 9-9.15, get a bus at 9.30 seems a very civilised way to start the day!!
Posted by: Chris, OX7 on 12:27pm Mon 24 Mar 08
I hope bus companies are going to be putting up notices to the effect:
Pensioners travelling for free are requested to give up their seats to fare paying customers
I hope bus companies are going to be putting up notices to the effect:
Pensioners travelling for free are requested to give up their seats to fare paying customers
Posted by: DanOxford on 12:22am Tue 25 Mar 08
Be fair- she needs to get back in time for Bargain Hunt, Homes Under The Hammer, Countdown and Cilla Black and Carol Vorderman reminding her she'll be dead soon so better put some aside for the grandchildren.
Be fair- she needs to get back in time for Bargain Hunt, Homes Under The Hammer, Countdown and Cilla Black and Carol Vorderman reminding her she'll be dead soon so better put some aside for the grandchildren.
Posted by: Alwyn, Didcot on 2:30am Tue 25 Mar 08
I hope the hospitals know of the limits to the schemes and make their appointments accordingly. For the benefit of the young this is some scant compensation for the low pension paid in this country. Remember all 80 year olds recieve extra - 25p a week for the extra cost of heating etc! Careful how you spend it!
I hope the hospitals know of the limits to the schemes and make their appointments accordingly. For the benefit of the young this is some scant compensation for the low pension paid in this country. Remember all 80 year olds recieve extra - 25p a week for the extra cost of heating etc! Careful how you spend it!
Posted by: J, oxford on 8:23am Tue 25 Mar 08
In some small towns there only IS a couple of buses a day... so stop whinging and be grateful that you get such a good deal compared to some areas!
In some small towns there only IS a couple of buses a day... so stop whinging and be grateful that you get such a good deal compared to some areas!
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