Not sure how new this is - from
Devon LiveThe Department for Transport has put to rest concerns over the future of the concessionary bus pass scheme, confirming that the UK▸ Government will not be scrapping the initiative. Transport Minister Simon Lightwood reassured users after Conservative MP▸ Graham Stuart inquired about the continuation of funding for the universal bus pass for pensioners.
In a written statement, Lightwood emphasised: "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS▸ ) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently 66. The Government recognises the importance of the scheme, which supports local bus travel, assists with access to essential local services and helps those who use it to stay active and avoid isolation."
The bus pass means that the bus companies are paid by the government for journeys rather than by the person travelling, and if the bus pass was withdrawn fewer people would travel by bus and there would be consequences for the network and economy of bus operation. I find myself wondering if the scheme might have some sort of means testing applied - "only if you are on pension credit" nd I would hate it to go that way - it would persuade more of us to continue driving where we should not, and the use of a pass on the bus would then mark passengers using the card as "this is a poor old person" - stigmatising
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