Over 60's free bus travel goes national

[the naturelover]

Hi something that has not been widely published is the fact that not everyone will be eligible for a free bus pass at the age of 60. The rules have changed as has the retirement age for some people. I for instance will have to wait until I am 62. There is a goverment website where you enter youre date of birth and sex and it tells you when you will officially retire and at what age you are entitled to a free pass. SO SORRY but I cannot remember the site adress. Also free national travel has been in place for some years but from my experience some areas will still not allow it. Again I live right on the boundry of birmingham west midlands. My wife can travel into brum ok by bus or train but, she is not allowed to travel the one stop the other way into worcestershire. So we pay for a ticket for the one stop then carry on. Sometimes the inspectors insist that you leave the train and get the next one. All very silly its something national goverment need to clarify the rules on.
Hope this helps.
regards tn.

[loripo]

I think this is the eligibilty link
Am I eligible to apply for a Freedom Pass?

My daughter and I were joking about me going down to Wales last year using my pass, but we decided it would take about a week and I'd have to sleep at bus stops
I going down again soon. I renewed my Railcard and got a return ticket from Clapham JUnction to Carmarthen for £22.40, because I purchased it so early. THat's about 10p a mile - a bit more space than on a bus too.

[rscott74]

The "passes" are now chipped cards and are a handy proof of age. If shown it is proof that you are a "pensioner" and entitled to any discounts that may be available.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by loripo

My London Freedom pass allows me to travel on bus, tube and rail.
When and where you can use your pass

I have also used it to travel by train beyond the area(Dorking and Reading) and just paid the extra from the last station within the boundary.

My aunt lived in Devon and she could claim half-fare, which would still be a great help, but my cousin who also lives in Devon says there aren't any buses that take her where she wants to go anyway!

Yes, even before the national scheme, I could travel around South and West Yorks, including some trains, as well as over borders to such exciting places as Chesterfield and Worksop (joking aside, they are great places to visit!) - it only needs a little give and take between neighbouring authorities.

Even when I go to London, I do quite well with my bus card, senior rail card and Oyster .... makes it almost worthwhile to get old.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by rscott74

The "passes" are now chipped cards and are a handy proof of age. If shown it is proof that you are a "pensioner" and entitled to any discounts that may be available.

Yes, if I'm ever challenged about whether I'm old enough to buy a pint, I flash my card!

[Paul mabbott]

... and then they take it away ....
This is mainly a 'nobody tells me anything' moan! My wife has been looking forward to getting her bus pass and we were planning to travel to Leeds () for her birthday. However, it seems that she will now not get her bus pass until she reaches state pension age - whatever that may be: the government keeps raising the bar.
What's more, Dick Clogg is now saying that he's going to take free passes away from many more people depending on their income .....