Targeting OAPs unfair – Age Concern members
TARGETING pensioners over planned changes to free bus passes is unfair, members of St Peter’s Age Concern have said.
The proposed change would mean over-65s’ passes would not be valid before 9.30am, to keep seats free for paying passengers.
The issue was a hot topic at yesterday’s meeting at Styx.
‘I understand what they’re saying about the over-65s, but some people have early-morning doctors’ appointments and some people still go to work,’ said Lyn Olliver.
Mrs Olliver has her free Puffin Pass, but has not had to use it yet as she still drives.
Pass-holder Eustace Bourgaize thought it was unfair to target the over-65s.
‘Why are they picking on OAPs?’ he said.
He was pleased that Deputy Lester Queripel was championing their case.
‘He’s about the only one who knows what he’s talking about.’
Joan Anderson thought it was unfair to suggest taking money from pensioners.
‘It’s £1.50 out of your pension that you don’t want to pay,’ she said.
‘I go on the bus all the time. I’ve never had a car. I go to St Martin’s to see a friend and to Town and St Sampson’s.’
She often gets a bus at about 9am from near her home in St Saviour’s.
‘I only have my pension. Everything gets so expensive but I suppose I’d have to change my habits.
‘To my mind in one way the States are giving you extra money for things and then they take it away. They give you £1.50 extra, then add it to the bus fare.’
Ethel Anderson was also a regular user.
‘I’m waiting to have a hip operation so I use it three times a week to go into Town,’ she said.
But she would not be affected by the proposal. ‘I get the 9.40 bus and get into Town for 10.’
