Concessionary Bus Pass reform

[Walton 46]

Concessionary Bus Pass reform
In July 2019, the Welsh Government announced that age at which people in Wales become eligible for a free bus pass would increase from 60 to stage pension age (65 now and 67 by 2028). The Welsh Government cites the rising cost of providing the passes as the reason for the change in eligibility.

Both inside and outside of Wales, there is a lot of people who think the current concessionary pass system is not fit or purpose and is in need of reform. Bus operators complain they are not getting sufficiently reimbursed for pensioners using their passes as the reimbursement rates are based on the price of a single fare in the mid-2000s and are thus, out of date. Whilst local authorities are saying because of a reduction in government subsides for pensioners passes, they are having to divert funding from other areas such as school services in order to provide free travel for pensioners.

What do you think?