Future of free bus passes for the over 60's in doubt

Official reports have revealed that the UK is struggling to maintain the free bus pass scheme for pensioners. Local councils are currently feeling the pinch as they fund the travel of 11 million over 60’s and disabled people around the country. With that figure set to rise by 20% over the next 5 years, the future of free OAP bus passes looks uncertain.

It is feared that spending on other valued services will have to be cut such as meals-on-wheels, libraries and swimming pools to find the extra money needed to pay for the free travel for pensioners.

The Local Government Association (LGA), who acts on behalf of the local councils around the country, have called for an increase in funding from central government to keep up with the rising cost of travel. It is predicted that the annual cost of keeping the free bus travel scheme in operation will rise from £943 last year to £1.14 billion in 2013/14 and at present, the council’s budget won’t be able to cope.

An amendment was made to the scheme earlier this year in an attempt to reduce costs. Under the new regulations the free bus pass cannot be used on park and ride facilities, long distance coach rides, and tourist coaches. The LGA also suggested that the scheme should become means tested to prevent middle-class and affluent pensioners from taking advantage of the offer.