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Travel passes, TV licences etc - is this fair?

(59 Posts)
LaraGransnet (GNHQ) Wed 04-Dec-19 09:45:55

A report out today suggests that phasing out a transport pass for Londoners aged 60-65 should be considered because those eligible are often richer than younger people.
The Centre for London also called for TfL to scrap the 60+ Oyster card and the additional nominee pass for TfL employees.
What do you think? Should these benefits all be means tested?
What about the other benefits that apply to over 60s?
We've been asked to talk about this on Sky News today and would love to have your views.

FlexibleFriend Thu 05-Dec-19 11:22:49

Hetty58 I'd never heard of a 60+ card but tbf I wouldn't apply for one anyway. I'm in too much pain to face travelling on London Transport and I have a blue badge and exemption from the Congestion charge and the Dartford crossing so I do get help but that's due to disability rather than age and obviously I still have to pay all the costs related to car ownership.

Riverwalk Thu 05-Dec-19 11:44:05

Sorry Flexiblefriend but you're wrong!

I'm 65 and got my free 60+ card when I was 60 as have others on this thread; will get the full Freedom Pass when I'm 66 at government pension age.

The 60+ is for use on all public transport in Greater London, not outside; the Freedom Pass can be used around the country.

I know you say you don't want one but I'm just stating the facts for anyone in London who doesn't realise their entitlement.

FlexibleFriend Thu 05-Dec-19 12:13:53

What am I wrong about exactly 1) Never knowing of the 60+ card. 2) Not being eligible for the freedom pas until 2020?
Those were my facts and they're correct.

Bathsheba Thu 05-Dec-19 15:27:57

Ah well I stand corrected ?. In my area, and in the areas of any friends who live elsewhere, eligibility is in line with pension age. I’d only ever heard of it being different in London!

Charleygirl5 Thu 05-Dec-19 15:54:37

FlexibleFriend have you given some thought to how you will get around when you can no longer drive for whatever reason?

I also have a blue badge, live in London but it will be my failing eyesight which stops me from driving and that will be sooner rather than later.

MsJones Thu 05-Dec-19 16:08:19

Please consider those of us less well off who are grateful for the 60+ oyster card and free eye tests and prescriptions. If you don't need it then don't claim it. For many it's a lifeline while in a minimum wage zero hours job waiting for our pensions.

FlexibleFriend Thu 05-Dec-19 16:38:25

Charleygirl5 I can't currently drive, I'm completely reliant on my Sons to get me around. I do still have my own car but it's no longer driven by me. One son has a similar vehicle which is much newer and the other son drives me about in my car and in return gets to use my car whenever he needs it. All three of us are currently on the insurance. Without them I'd be stuffed tbh as I couldn't get on a bus no matter what and the palaver of getting me and a wheelchair on one defeats me.

Cerys Thu 05-Dec-19 18:46:07

Currently in Wales you can get a bus pass when you are sixty. However, it was announced a couple of weeks ago that they are being scrapped from April 2022. If you have one at the the time they cease you will keep it but new applications will not be accepted.