Dept of Transport Consultation on Proposed Changes to the Bus Pass Scheme.

Did you know that the Dept of Transport issued a consultative document on proposed changes to the Bus Pass Scheme for England on 29th October 2008 ? If not you were not alone, since only 25 members of the public managed to comment. Full details of the 'consultation' are contained in this Department of Transport report. which outlines the issues consulted upon, the responses received and the goverment conclusions and action on those consultations. Our conclusion is that the changes do not significantly affect the secheme which is so highly valued by the over 60s and Disabled users of bus passes. If you disagree on reading this document please tell us how you feel the chages are adversely affecting you.

We are pleased to read in the document a reiteration, i.e that:

"The statutory bus concession guarantees people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people who are resident in England free off peak travel on local bus services anywhere in England. Off peak hours are between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and bank holidays."

We also quote comments from a recent correspondent, which is an example of the importance which many bus pass users attach to the scheme.

"I would really hate to have my bus pass restricted or withdrawn - it is a lifeline for me. I neither own nor have access to a car and, in this current recession, can no longer afford to shop in supermarkets. I live on the outskirts of York and am in the habit of walking the 3 miles into town most days to shop in the excellent market for fruit and veg, and then going home by bus. Without my bus pass I could not afford to do this as the regular bus fares are too high."

We are interested to hear from Bus Pass Users who have experienced any recent problems in using their bus pass.

On other aspects, a bus pass user living in England who owned a static caravan in N Wales where he spends quite a bit of time with his wife, asked if he would be entitled to a bus pass in N Wales. The local authority in Wales require proof of permanent residence when applying for a bus pass, so we think that the answer to the question is likely to be no.

For the latest developments on MPs Expenses click below:

Bus Passes In The Press

Enterprising Weymouth pensioner beats free bus pass time rulesDorset newspapers 22nd April 2009

Pensioners cannot have free ride on buses, says Go Ahead chief.Daily Telegraph 26th April 2009

End of the road for free go-anywhere bus pass for the over-60s The Times 26th March 2009

Pensioners face limit on free bus passesThe Observer 26th April 2009

Over-60s lose out as free bus passes are cut backDaily Mail 29 March 2009

English Bus Pass Accepted in France

The website editor has recently taken a caravan holiday in France, and whilst he didn't try to use the bus pass on French buses, he did find that camp sites who usually ask for the passport to be retained by the reception until you pay on departure, 3 different campsites were happy to accept his English Bus Pass, (showing clearly your photo and name of course) instead of the passport( Which personally I prefer to keep in a safe place at all times)

Problems at the Border ?

Are bus passes issued in England valid for journeys into Scotland or Wales, and vice versa? - a question on quite a few people's mind it appears. A number of bus pass holders have raised this issue. Our understanding is that Bus Passes are valid in the country of issue only, and for this purpose country = one of England,Scotland or Wales.

However a number of people mention that the rule is being excercised flexiby, and with summer on its way, this could be very useful to Bus Pass Holders.

Mr P L mentions "I have travelled on the X94 Chester to Barmouth service and the Arriva 12 Chester to Rhyl service with no problems and on the understanding that on the return journey I do not get off before England,  However on one occasion when I went to Dolgellau a gentleman with a bus pass issued in Merseyside had to pay £5 to travel from Chester to Barmouth." (a complex logicality at work here I think !)

We would be pleased to receive more information from BPH's on their 'cross border' experiences which we can share with our website readers.

Isle of Wight bus pass scheme has no travel restrictions

We are grateful for Mr M for drawing our attention to the fact that on the Isle of Wight bus pass use is allowed at any time of the day, any day of the week, subject to local bus operating times. A number of other local authorities allow extended times within their area, e.g. West Berkshire allow travel with a bus pass from 9am. We're interested to hear of other cases.

The 2008 Scheme for England Routesixty Discounts

Local Variations

Bus Timetables

The disapppearing public toilets !