To think this restriction should end earlier?

[LollipopViolet]

My council has introduced a rule that means if you have a bus pass, either for being over 60 or being disabled (like me - visually impaired) you can't use your pass before 9.30, you have to pay (£2 for a single fare here).

Now, this I've come to accept, councils will do these things etc.

BUT, AIBU to think that the restriction should end at maybe 8.30? People with disabilities, for example, need to get to work. I for one, can't drive. If they're going to issue the passes at all, shouldn't they be useable at a normal commute time? Some disabled people have a lot of extra things to pay for and a £2 daily bus fare can really add extra onto the month's outgoings.

Lolli, I think that the argument is that the free bus passes are a benefit for non-working people.

I'm fairly sure it's designed this way to stop the old folk using public transport for free during rush hour.

no its to stop tons of elderly people crowding the busses first thing when commuters need to get to work or kids to school. it would cause overcrowding on busses if it was 8:30. your bus pass is free the rest of the time soooo.

60 isn't old though. Many 60 year olds are earning. I believe the argument is that they shouldn't receive free transport to work.

As regards people with disabilities, I plead ignorance.

YANBU.. same with our local council. DS2 is disabled..has pass and we have bee diligently bus training him for over a year.. but he can't use it to get to his special needs club as..you guessed it..it starts at 9 and his bus pass won't be accepted til 9.30. Sigh....

When the free bus passes were thought out, 60 was old. This was the retirement age. It needs a huge rethink IMO.

Actually,yes I think your pass should be valid earlier - but that passes for disabled people should be distinguished from those for over 60s,and have different restrictions,to keep overcrowding of rush hour buses down as much as possible.

I think oldies need to be kept off public transport at rush hour as as a commuter I will only have to pay more to increase capacity so they can travel free. Harsh but true. However i have never understood the disabled person restrictions as many work and the free travel is to reflect the extra costs disabled people have to face.

In my region (Merseyside), there is a difference in passes for the Disabled and OAP's.

If this isn't the case where you live, you should campaign and bring it up with your MP.

I don't agree for all day passes for OAP's, as they would fill the busses up of a morning and you are obliged to give them a seat.

The rule for after 9.30, is quite valid for them.

YANBU
in London, the freedom pass for under 60s works all day. the one for over 60s works after the morning rush. it's a simple enough system to implement.

I can understand the restriction for non-working retired folk but I don't see why you should be subjected to the same restrictions - you receive your benefit for different reasons

I do think that the restriction should be lowered for younger people who may well be disabled and have mobility problems, but still work like other people.

Maybe they should have a separate one for people who work?

In this area children have to pay full fare before 9am to get to school they must pay adult fare or get a scholar pass for the term.

It seems the bus companies can set their own rules and have who they want on the bus or you pay full fare.

There is no restriction on using a bus pass at the end of a working day here - so I had a friend at work who car shared to work and used her OAP pass to get home in the evening.

The passes LOOK different, but the bus companies haven't differentiated. I have no clue how to bring it up with anyone.

I'm currently on a training course that is miles from home, and starts at 9am. I'd hand the pass straight back if they'd have my rotten eyesight with it!

That is a pain. Have you looked into getting a mobility allowance maybe?

It does need to change as 60 is too young for a free bus pass and should be at the retirement age if at all and not for workers at all.

Lollipop- totally agree with you. Apparently people who are disabled enough to need a bus pass don't work or go to college. Who knew?

The free bus pass is now given at state retirement age in the northeast, my mam was very perturbed as she has retired but can't claim her state pension yet as in the cohort moving towards to equality for menandwomen.

YANBU but I think the rule should stand for the elderly. It has always been 9.30 where I have lived.

I think if you want the free pass to be able to work, YABU because you will have a wage, and your DLA is supposed to cover the extra expenses that are incurred because of a disability. I know that it's often not enough to be able to scratch the surface, but if you are able to work then I can't really see any reason why you shouldn't have to pay for transport to work the same as everyone else does.

From the Department for Transport website -

"Concessionary bus fares scheme offer discounted travel on local public transport for older and disabled people. The Government wants to ensure that bus travel, in particular, remains within the means of those on limited incomes and those who have mobility difficulties. This supports our wider work to tackle social exclusion. Bus travel remains the most used form of public transport, especially by older people."

So the thinking behind it is that pass holders are on limited income, i.e. pensions/benefits, not wages. And if you're not working, you can do your travelling at off-peak times.

Times may have changed and more disabled people are in work now, but the scheme was originated for those who weren't. Maybe, OP, you might consider that everyone else who can't walk to work has to pay to get there too?

It's alright if you can get DLA. I have major issues and am still waiting twelve weeks later for a reconsideration!

I agree with whereyouleftit sorry. If your earning then you should pay to get to work and make us of the free pass times when not getting to work.