MP Welcomes Cheaper Fares for Pensioners                                                                         

Neil Gerrard, Labour MP for Walthamstow, has welcomed the news that men are now going to be eligible for bus travel concessions at 60, the same as for women, rather than having to wait until they are 65.

"This is very good news for older men in Walthamstow" said Mr Gerrard. "It is only fair that travel concessions based on age should be the same for both men and women. Cheaper transport is important for many pensioners, allowing them to get about much more."

"On top of this a new scheme starting on 1st May will offer cheaper travel on scheduled coaches to older and disabled people. Anyone aged 60 or more, and people who have concessionary travel passes because they are disabled, will now be able to travel half price on coaches as well as buses. The major coach companies, such as National Express are taking part in the scheme, which will be funded by the Government. The scheme covers journeys in England and Wales, and some major companies will extend it to Scotland."

"I hope pensioners will take advantage of these new schemes to travel more, and keep in touch more easily with family and friends."

May 2003

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