Charging Pensioners For Early Bus Rides 'Discriminatory'

Deputy Lester Queripel wonders whether the Environment and Infrastructure Committee has thought through its proposal, which he says raises questions about segregation of the elderly.

Deputy Queripel has long been a champion of the elderly and is dismayed by a move to charge pensioners for bus rides taken on weekdays before 0930, to save places for commuters.

E&I's proposals don't appear to consider whether a pensioner - entitled to a free bus ride - may be taking an early journey for a medical appointment, or whether they're travelling out of St Peter Port and so not taking a commuter space.

Deputy Lester Queripel says the proposal shocks and disappoints him:

"Well I know there are two sides to every story. But, on the face of it, this seems to me like pensioners being told that other people are more important than you, and I don't think that's acceptable. It's verging on segregation and discrimination."

E&I plans to increase bus fares by 20% by early October and also withdraw the monthly unlimited bus pass. It says this about OAPs accessing commuter services:

'Due to high demand for buses at peak times and the need to facilitate bus income, the Committee is also proposing to permit free travel only after 9.30am for those aged 65 and over. This will be Monday to Friday. Free bus travel for over 65s will still be available anytime on weekends and bank holidays, excluding night bus services (as is the case now). 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.'

Deputy Queripel says the committee seems not to have thought about the implications:

"It really is a case of discrimination, I think, and segregation, in a time when the mantra is we need to be inclusive, and this is the opposite to that."

People have until 6 September to comment on the plans. This can be done by emailing [email protected] or by post to The Senior Passenger Transport Officer, Driver & Vehicle Licensing, Edward T Wheadon House, Le Truchot, St Peter Port, GY1 3WH.