Don’t Pass By

Don’t Pass By
It’s the ticket to freedom for millions of senior citizens across the country, and for thousands of local pensioners too. The bus pass is a gateway to a full and active life, as well as one of those universal rights of passage for the population as they retire from work.
But with government cut backs threatening all aspects of public services, Cllr Chris Ready is concerned that older people may become an easy target for the next round of coalition cuts. “Pensioners are rightly proud of their bus pass,” says Cllr Ready. “It is a badge of independence and freedom for them, and well-earned after a lifetime paying in to the system.”
Pensioners, such as this group at XXXXXX say that they are alarmed at the idea of being stripped of their bus passes. Cllr Ready adds: “Not everyone can afford to run a car, and perhaps infirmity and age means that driving is no longer an option. Buses offer a green alternative to owning your own car and their routes link in with many of the public buildings and shops that older people enjoy visiting.”

Cllr Ready and his new Grey Army want to send a signal to Whitehall that the benefits to health, the environment and to the dignity of the over 60s that free bus passes bring is something to treasure…not something for the Treasury.