To worry that free bus passes won't exist in the future

[Downtroddenhousingass]

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6685043/Half-bus-routes-scrapped-650million-blackhole-boom-free-passes.html#article-6685043

Looks like they are already having issues with funding them now. I've still got 30 years until I get mine.

The scheme might be gone by then I'm worried

You're worried about something that might or might not be in 30 years?

YABU on so many counts - not least of which is reading, believing and sharing Daily Mail shite.

I'd more concerned about a pension tbh. 35 years to go and I'm counting on there being £0 state pension.

Why is this such a big deal for you? What plans did you have for your free bus pass that makes it worth worrying about now?

I suspect lots of things won't exist in 1 year like medicines, some food stuffs and ability to travel easily to other countries. I'll save worrying about my bus pass till later on thanks.

I'm more concerned about pensions being abolished.

Bus passes are handy but not necessity if the country is in dire straits. I imagine means testing will be introduced at some point though, and rightfully so.

I'd be very surprised if they are, but it's not actually that expensive. Our regional bus pass is only about £80 a month, much cheaper than running a car... whether there will still be any buses to catch is another question entirely....

I’m more concerned that there will be no functioning society in 30 years. Bus passes are the least of my worries. Have you read anything about the environment?

Many other better things to worry about from your own point of view.

Not unreasonable to be concerned about the scheme in general and the effect of this change on an aging population.

I know loads of well off pensioners who love their bus passes. Despite having enough to fund their own transport costs. Its one more thing this country can't really afford. Particularly given that our politicians are currently making the decision to screw our economy over for ages.

If you’re counting on free bus passes in 30 years you’ve bigger things to worry about than free bus passes in 30 years.

Ha @NameyMcNamechange1 if you're going to worry do it properly eh?

Hopefully people will stop voting Tory

I’d say there are more important things to worry about than a pissy bus pass!!

YABU I'm more worried about education funding.

Also I hope they do go or at least get means tested. We are priced out of using our buses. Exhorbitant prices for half empty buses only OAPs can afford to travel on. You reap what you sew.

Those OAPs able to afford bus tickets shouldn't have them.

Oh thanks

Why not talk about those other topics on the other threads.

This is about bus passes

Again, why is the bus pass so important to you?

What plans did you have for it that it's worth worrying about it now?

Another bung for the elderly tory voter. No tears here if they abolished it next week

Free travel for under 30s would be much better

People collecting pensions get free bus passes in the UK? Of course, they're not really free. Who actually pays for them?

I think it's more often young people, just starting out in their careers, who struggle financially.

Perhaps a little unreasonable but I do see your point! I’ve been paying £30 a week for the bus to work, plus extra for the night bus where my usual ticket isn’t valid. The service is fantastic but £30 of petrol gets me to work every day for a whole 3 weeks instead (my cracking wee VW Up!) . I was rather looking forward to a free bus pass one day given I’ve spent so much money on the fuckers!

Sorry sow

Those other areas have everything to do with this issue.

Bus passes are really expensive round here so I can understand someone approaching retirement worrying about it. I'm not sure why you're worrying about it so far in advance though? Anything could happen in 30 years...maybe there will be no buses!

My parents are pensioners. They are not struggling for money. They have free bus passes which they can use for travel across Scotland and regularly do. It should most definitely be means tested, as should the winter fuel allowance.

I never use a bus so it wouln't affect me one way or another.

If the thought of a bus pass or not is the most pressing issue on your mind then I suggest you get a hobby op, seriously of all the things to "worry" about.
30 years is a long time. How about worrying about the next 30 days instead?

I think many non means tested perks and allowances the elderly benefit from won't be available in years to come. And rightly so.

Its parents of children and teens not yet on an income too who need passes more. Best part of £8 to go 16 miles here. Can't afford to use it for work or to go en famille into town. My teens can't afford it on their pocket money. Bus company stopped the £1 a child offer because they couldn't afford it- probably due to propping up free bus passes for people some of whom have better cars and a higher income.

As I said- you reap what you sow.

OKay, but it’s an odd thing to worry about! In 30 years time, you are still likely to be working, earning, able to drive if you have already learned, no less likely to be able to afford a bus fare than a younger person and probably still fit enough to walk. There is a lot to worry about with regard to becoming old and infirm but free bus passes is very trivial concern in the wider scheme of things.