Thanks to Stuart George from the Isle of Wight Bus Users Group for information regarding forthcoming changes to the concessionary bus pass scheme. Ed
As previously reported on VB, the Isle of Wight council (IWC) has decided that on Mondays to Fridays from 1 April, the concessionary fares scheme will only apply between 9.30am and 11pm. At weekends and bank holidays it will still apply all day.
No change for disabled bus pass
However, those holding a disabled pass will still be able to travel at any time so any disabled people holding an ordinary over-60 pass should apply to the council to exchange it for a disabled one. The council will be able to tell you what counts as a disability.
Changes to women’s free bus passes
The government has announced that from 6 April the age for obtaining a pass will rise from the current age of 60 for both men and women in line with the women’s state pension age. Details are on Dept For Transport Website
Also announced today were plans to change the age of eligibility for concessionary bus travel in line with the changes that are being made to the state pension age from April 2010. For the purposes of concessionary travel this means tying the age of eligibility for the bus pass to the pensionable age for women. So, as the pensionable age for women gradually increases from 60 to 65 over the ten-year period from 2010 to 2020 so too will the age of eligibility for the concessionary bus pass increase for both men and women.
Currently both men and women become eligible for a free bus pass at 60. These plans mean that by 2020 the age of eligibility will increase to 65. Until pensionable age is equalised between the sexes in 2020, men will continue to become eligible for a concessionary bus pass when they reach the pensionable age of a woman born on the same day.
The changes to the age of eligibility will not impact on anyone already in possession of a bus pass. The changes will only affect those due to turn 60 on or after 6 April 2010 and will bring eligibility for the national bus concession into line with changes to other entitlements that have already been announced by the Department for Work and Pensions, such as the change in the age of eligibility for the Winter Fuel Allowance.
Image: Brisn Forbes 37 under CC BY-ND 2.0
