Concessionary Rail Fares for over 60's

majorhoundii · Post by **majorhoundii** » Sun 03 Jun, 2012 2:32 pm

I didn't know these had been removed. I went to Keighley yesterday from Leeds and was told they finished at the end of 2011. Was there an announcement? I don't suppose Morley to Keighley and back for £2.60 ea is bad but I was surprised. I'll say this, it's a really quick service - about 25 minutes from City Station to Keighley.

Uno Hoo · Post by **Uno Hoo** » Sun 03 Jun, 2012 3:48 pm

They've not been removed; just reduced. AFAIK the concessionary fare is now 50%.Pity, because Mrs Hoo and I often went from Bradford to Ilkley by train. Not worth it now, so we go by car instead and add to the congestion and pollution.

guitar man · Post by **guitar man** » Thu 07 Jun, 2012 10:47 pm

I think twice now about using the train since they have alltered the fares now, it used to be a good thing to go anywhere on the Metro area fo 50p not such a good deal now even though it`s half price. I know other people who will not use the train so much

Barwicker · Post by **Barwicker** » Tue 12 Jun, 2012 12:49 pm

When word of the change in Rail Concessionary fares for Seniors in West Yorkshire filtered out quietly late last year I checked the websites of the other Metropolitan Authorities around the country to see what increases were proposed there.I discovered that "Metro" was the only such body which had been charging even the nominal 50p and that none of them was imposing any form of increase. After reading the items above I have checked those sites again and nothing has changed. (The site for the West Midlands PTE/Centro I found to be impenetrable).There are even wider concessions than those offered by "Metro". Card Holders in South Yorkshire may travel by Northern Rail services FREE to any station in West Yorkshire which does not involve a change of train and furthermore the concessionary period starts at 9.00 for all services not 9.30 as in WY. "Metro" issued cards can however be used on Sheffield Trams.In London the Bus Concession applies additionally to the Underground, DLR, and Trams all apparently for 24 hours per day. On some local trains (London Overground) this also applies. On others the concession starts at 9.30 am. If I have read the rules & regs correctly any English Concessionary Bus pass can be used on London Buses 24 hours per day.For the record I checked the Web sites of South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Tranport for London and failed with West Midlands.Thank you Metro!!

Brunel · Post by **Brunel** » Tue 12 Jun, 2012 1:46 pm

Metro". Card Holders in South Yorkshire may travel by Northern Rail services FREE to any station in West Yorkshire That is why the Sheffield- Huddersfield line is busy now.Must be the bargain of the public transport world.

Jogon · Post by **Jogon** » Tue 12 Jun, 2012 2:44 pm

Just to add some balance for our younger readers (who may be without jobs + housing)http://www.spectator.co.uk/issues/31-ma ... rationsNow don't shoot the messenger.

jdbythesea · Post by **jdbythesea** » Tue 12 Jun, 2012 4:23 pm

[quotenick="Barwicker"]In London the Bus Concession applies additionally to the Underground, DLR, and Trams all apparently for 24 hours per day. I was down in London at the end of March for 5 days and made good use of my bus pass on London Transport whilst there. The bus drivers gave it no more than a cursory glance each time I used it and it was accepted at any time of the day or night.However, the pass is not valid on the Tube as free travel on the Underground is for over 60s with a London address and a Freedom Pass. I think the buses in London are more reliable than the Tube anyway so I wasn't in the least bit bothered. JD

Barwicker · Post by **Barwicker** » Tue 12 Jun, 2012 5:53 pm

[quotenick="jdbythesea"] Barwicker wrote: In London the Bus Concession applies additionally to the Underground, DLR, and Trams all apparently for 24 hours per day. I was down in London at the end of March for 5 days and made good use of my bus pass on London Transport whilst there. The bus drivers gave it no more than a cursory glance each time I used it and it was accepted at any time of the day or night.However, the pass is not valid on the Tube as free travel on the Underground is for over 60s with a London address and a Freedom Pass. I think the buses in London are more reliable than the Tube anyway so I wasn't in the least bit bothered. JD Sorry. I did not intend to imply that a "Metro" Concession card could be used on the Underground, DLR or trains. I am aware that the card can only be used on buses and have used it several times.

jdbythesea · Post by **jdbythesea** » Tue 12 Jun, 2012 5:58 pm

Barwicker, I found out the hard way. Much to my embarrassment.JD

majorhoundii · Post by **majorhoundii** » Tue 12 Jun, 2012 6:22 pm

Jogon wrote: Just to add some balance for our younger readers (who may be without jobs + housing)http://www.spectator.co.uk/issues/31-ma ... rationsNow don't shoot the messenger. The fact remains that Cameron made a specific promise on free bus fares. I must admit I thought it was concessionary travel generally but obviously I was wrong.If he wants to renege on that promise he'll face the fury of older voters next time. Alternatively he can offer to revoke the free bus passes at the next election. I'd guess the outcome would be the same.There are those that would means test all benefits. But then the uptake would fall and pensioners would either not travel at all or bung the roads up with more cars.