Concessionary Bus Pass reform

[EBG 758]

RE: Concessionary Bus Pass reform
One of the principal concepts of providing free travel for the seniors is that it encourages them to get out and about. This in turn keeps them healthier in body and mind thereby reducing the demands placed on NHS services. As a side benefit, money saved on fares can be used to help the local economy, for example meeting friends for a coffee - this list is endless. The current law states that bus operators should be no better or worse off under this scheme. Undoubtedly Austerity cuts to local authorities and reduced government subsidies for the extended use to all of England has hit operators but the answer lies with providing bus companies with extra funding or total re-regulation of bus services.