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Pensioners likely to lose early morning free travel

Pensioners likely to lose early morning free travel

Monday 21 August 2023

Pensioners likely to lose early morning free travel

Monday 21 August 2023


High inflation is being blamed for rising costs being passed on to bus passengers.

From October it might cost more for people below pension age to use the bus, while those over States pension age may not be able to use the bus for free before 09:30 on weekdays from next year.

The Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure said they've had to look at changing bus fare structures because of the wider States efforts to cut spending.

E&I said the proposed changes - some of which are detailed below - will also help to offset the increased cost of the bus contract caused by high inflation.

bus fares

Pictured: The proposed changes to bus fares would see a single trip increase by 25p.

As well as the proposed fare increases, the cost of buying a 'pay as you go' Puffin Pass is £4.

E&I is suggesting the unlimited monthly pass (currently on sale for £29) be withdrawn, with any bus users in possession of one able to swap it for a free Puffin Pass. 

While the financial changes are proposed to come into effect from 1 October this year, further changes proposed for next year onwards would include a ban on free travel for pensioners before 09:30, plus a new age criteria for those free passes.

Currently anyone over 65 is entitled to a free bus pass, but the States pension age is being increased incrementally by two months every year since 2020. 

E&I has suggested that the free bus pass is paired with the States pension age so a person is only entitled to free bus travel once they start receiving their States pension. 

E&I said there is such a high demand for peak time bus travel, coupled with a need to bring more money in using the bus service, that it's suggesting passengers over 65 years old can only use their free passes after the weekday morning 'rush hour' is over.

Over 65s would still be able to use their passes at all times for free travel over Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holidays except for the night bus service which is the current situation.

E&I said: "This will encourage free bus travel at quieter times and ensure buses running at peak times, where there is high demand, are prioritised for fare-paying customers."

Early reactions to the proposals affecting older bus users have been mainly negative with one commenter on the States of Guernsey Facebook page saying "I don't feel it's appropriate to restrict the OAP free bus travel to after 09:30. A lot of elderly people require frequent blood tests, especially fasting ones which ideally take place early morning so OAPs who don't drive will be forced to pay the bus fare to the doctors surgery".

Another commenter wrote "this is a ridiculous initiative". Others have questioned why bus fares are going up when the States want to encourage people to use public transport rather than using their own cars. 

HAVE YOUR SAY

Members of the public can comment on the proposed changes by emailing passengertransport@gov.gg or writing to The Senior Passenger Transport Officer, Driver & Vehicle Licensing, Edward T Wheadon House, Le Truchot, St Peter Port, GY1 3WH by Wednesday 6 September.

READ MORE...

Night bus fare due to increase to £5

Proposals could see bus fare increased and cash payments discontinued

Price hike for round-island bus trips

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