Have your say on Weymouth bus meeting tonight (From Thisisdorset)

Hardly going to be a level playing field is it?

The only people that are going to attend, are the ones that feel they have lost their bus service (of which most were free passes anyway).

The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

Well said!

If the numbers of users is low enough that First can't cover the costs of the running that route then I can see why it is cancelled.

Maybe the 'old folk' should spend the day travelling around on the buses....

Yes but this is not just about the old folk is it, there are paying customers that are going to suffer too. The 7.30 AM X53 from weymouth to poole is being stopped and there are younger paying people on the bus who need to get to work for 9.AM but the next bus is at 8 .23 AM from weymouth and doesn't get to Poole till 9.47 AM far to late for my son to do his job so he will be another one joining the unemployed. The train fare is way too expensive.

How do we get there from Southill? There is no evening 'bus service.

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

A freedom they were only given with these 'FREE' bus passes a few years back.

7-8 years ago 'FREE' bus passes did not exist, therefore a fee was charged for OAP's

Maybe if OAP's had been paying customers those last 7-8 years some of these routes would not be for the axe.

As someone else pointed out on another thread, what would you do if you had bills each month of £130, but an income of £100.

Please bring back the number 6 along wyke road.
How do you expect someone old to walk from wyke ? all way down the long road.

satisfecho wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

A freedom they were only given with these 'FREE' bus passes a few years back.

7-8 years ago 'FREE' bus passes did not exist, therefore a fee was charged for OAP's

Maybe if OAP's had been paying customers those last 7-8 years some of these routes would not be for the axe.

As someone else pointed out on another thread, what would you do if you had bills each month of £130, but an income of £100.

When it was first issued is irrelevant, that point is they have been paying into the pot that pays for it all their lives. It's not much to ask for something out of it IMO. I can think of a good few things that could be cut we do not need that will easily pay for it and more.

Why do you speak as if nobody pays and the company provide it free...that is not the case. I don;t know what they get but one imagines the company's and Gov met and agreed a figure that was acceptable to both , don't you?

Also as another has said, there are full fare paying people who use it too, what about them?

Especially with car insurance so insanely high if there is no other transport? Stay unemployed I guess?

What would I do if I had bills of a 130 and income of 100? I would probably call myself a pensioner on a pension

I'm guessing the only fair way to gauge opinion is to compare it against the population of weymouth.

So if 70 people turn up, it's 0.1% of the population care about this issue.

Mr_Blue_Sky wrote:
I'm guessing the only fair way to gauge opinion is to compare it against the population of weymouth.

So if 70 people turn up, it's 0.1% of the population care about this issue.

Well some people can get a money pit like the Pavilion given to them with only 100 turning up , so if a few turn up to this......:-)

Tactical wrote:
Please bring back the number 6 along wyke road.
How do you expect someone old to walk from wyke ? all way down the long road.

How many buses do you want? I understand that the 206 will still be running.

As has been mentioned, most of the people affected by the changes to bus services will be unable to attend- they may be able to get there, but they will not be able to get home due to a lack of bus service!!!!!

With the loss of the TIC more bus routes will go as visitors will have no idea of bus routes. National Express will have no booking agent and may pull out of Weymouth

Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the meeting as I would not be able to get home again and I am not in a position to pay for a taxi.
Good luck to those who are able to attend.

Well i guess i am the only one under the retirement age writing on here on behalf of all those that pay for our bus tickets we are all DOOMED, DOOMED I SAY DOOMED IF YOU WANT TO USE THE 7.30 AM X53 FROM WEYMOUTH TO POOLE AFTER THE 24TH OF MARCH.

sparkleeye wrote:

satisfecho wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

A freedom they were only given with these 'FREE' bus passes a few years back.

7-8 years ago 'FREE' bus passes did not exist, therefore a fee was charged for OAP's

Maybe if OAP's had been paying customers those last 7-8 years some of these routes would not be for the axe.

As someone else pointed out on another thread, what would you do if you had bills each month of £130, but an income of £100.

When it was first issued is irrelevant, that point is they have been paying into the pot that pays for it all their lives. It's not much to ask for something out of it IMO. I can think of a good few things that could be cut we do not need that will easily pay for it and more.

Why do you speak as if nobody pays and the company provide it free...that is not the case. I don;t know what they get but one imagines the company's and Gov met and agreed a figure that was acceptable to both , don't you?

Also as another has said, there are full fare paying people who use it too, what about them?

Especially with car insurance so insanely high if there is no other transport? Stay unemployed I guess?

What would I do if I had bills of a 130 and income of 100? I would probably call myself a pensioner on a pension

So what if they have been paying into a pot all their life.

What we pay in and get out changes over the years.

If you were working and paying tax 50 years ago, what you got for your taxes would be different than today, and if 50 years it will be different again.

My understanding, bus companies were offered 'x' amount as a concession for each free ticket, but those goal posts have been moved.

With fuel going up as well the difference is now unsustainable

As you state, of course there are full paying customers, but does it not register with you that maybe there are not enough full paying customers.

Any business model will fail if they it's they are forced to lose money to keep a small minority happy.

All of the oldies will be out in force demanding a service they dont even pay for. I feel sorry for those who do have to pay and for school kids who have to pay full fare who will lose out.

satisfecho wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:

satisfecho wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

A freedom they were only given with these 'FREE' bus passes a few years back.

7-8 years ago 'FREE' bus passes did not exist, therefore a fee was charged for OAP's

Maybe if OAP's had been paying customers those last 7-8 years some of these routes would not be for the axe.

As someone else pointed out on another thread, what would you do if you had bills each month of £130, but an income of £100.

When it was first issued is irrelevant, that point is they have been paying into the pot that pays for it all their lives. It's not much to ask for something out of it IMO. I can think of a good few things that could be cut we do not need that will easily pay for it and more.

Why do you speak as if nobody pays and the company provide it free...that is not the case. I don;t know what they get but one imagines the company's and Gov met and agreed a figure that was acceptable to both , don't you?

Also as another has said, there are full fare paying people who use it too, what about them?

Especially with car insurance so insanely high if there is no other transport? Stay unemployed I guess?

What would I do if I had bills of a 130 and income of 100? I would probably call myself a pensioner on a pension

So what if they have been paying into a pot all their life.

What we pay in and get out changes over the years.

If you were working and paying tax 50 years ago, what you got for your taxes would be different than today, and if 50 years it will be different again.

My understanding, bus companies were offered 'x' amount as a concession for each free ticket, but those goal posts have been moved.

With fuel going up as well the difference is now unsustainable

As you state, of course there are full paying customers, but does it not register with you that maybe there are not enough full paying customers.

Any business model will fail if they it's they are forced to lose money to keep a small minority happy.

I see where your coming from in that regard but that is created by another problem. How expensive the Buses are, maybe if they was more sensible, more would use them?

I ended up buying a little run about because I was using the buses and frankly for the inconvenience of not going where i want them, when i want them and all the other associated problems, they was **** well expensive. I may not have bothered if I was not being fleeced by the bus service every time i wanted to go a few miles.

Like councils and car parks, they charge too much then wonder why nobody uses it?

It might be interesting to compare these issues with other European countries and see how they deal with it too?

Kelston Guest House wrote:
With the loss of the TIC more bus routes will go as visitors will have no idea of bus routes. National Express will have no booking agent and may pull out of Weymouth

Scaremongering?
So I arrive into Weymouth off the 17:00 train arrival from London wanting to got to Portland. I have already looked online and found out the bus and where it stops. I can't find this on the TIC website and no point walking along the sea front as they are closed.
As to National Express - I could go to the Library and use the Free internet to book online or ring directly. According to National Express you can buy your ticket from most Thomson and First Choice branches or from the driver. All these are open longer hours and are based in the town centre.

bootedsw wrote:

Kelston Guest House wrote:
With the loss of the TIC more bus routes will go as visitors will have no idea of bus routes. National Express will have no booking agent and may pull out of Weymouth

Scaremongering?
So I arrive into Weymouth off the 17:00 train arrival from London wanting to got to Portland. I have already looked online and found out the bus and where it stops. I can't find this on the TIC website and no point walking along the sea front as they are closed.
As to National Express - I could go to the Library and use the Free internet to book online or ring directly. According to National Express you can buy your ticket from most Thomson and First Choice branches or from the driver. All these are open longer hours and are based in the town centre.

A good opportunity for a local convenience store(s) to make some extra pennies.

As an example, this could be a perfect opportunity for Londis on Westham Road.

In the same way you see Post Offices in other outlets than what we were used to.

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

And why should we all put up with their moaning? I for one am pretty sure that i wont be able to retire when i reach a pensioner age.

Why are we expected to be forever thankful for people who did what the younger generation is doing now in a much harder time.

I agree that pensioner should not lose their independence but that does not mean we should let them have a free and simple life just because they are old.

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

And why should we all put up with their moaning? I for one am pretty sure that i wont be able to retire when i reach a pensioner age.

Why are we expected to be forever thankful for people who did what the younger generation is doing now in a much harder time.

I agree that pensioner should not lose their independence but that does not mean we should let them have a free and simple life just because they are old.

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

And why should we all put up with their moaning? I for one am pretty sure that i wont be able to retire when i reach a pensioner age.

Why are we expected to be forever thankful for people who did what the younger generation is doing now in a much harder time.

I agree that pensioner should not lose their independence but that does not mean we should let them have a free and simple life just because they are old.

With a bit of luck, you will not get old.

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

And why should we all put up with their moaning? I for one am pretty sure that i wont be able to retire when i reach a pensioner age.

Why are we expected to be forever thankful for people who did what the younger generation is doing now in a much harder time.

I agree that pensioner should not lose their independence but that does not mean we should let them have a free and simple life just because they are old.

A much harder time?

Your disrespect for those who went through more harder times than a little sh** like you could ever imagine is amazing.

You really are a pin-up for Labours Britain.

sparkleeye wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

And why should we all put up with their moaning? I for one am pretty sure that i wont be able to retire when i reach a pensioner age.

Why are we expected to be forever thankful for people who did what the younger generation is doing now in a much harder time.

I agree that pensioner should not lose their independence but that does not mean we should let them have a free and simple life just because they are old.

A much harder time?

Your disrespect for those who went through more harder times than a little sh** like you could ever imagine is amazing.

You really are a pin-up for Labours Britain.

You are of course joking right??

They went through MUCH harder times?? doubt that very much im afraid... and even if they did why do we have to be forever thankful?

Rubbish!

If I were in their postion i would fully expect to pay my way.

Is it me or is everything rubbish? wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

And why should we all put up with their moaning? I for one am pretty sure that i wont be able to retire when i reach a pensioner age.

Why are we expected to be forever thankful for people who did what the younger generation is doing now in a much harder time.

I agree that pensioner should not lose their independence but that does not mean we should let them have a free and simple life just because they are old.

With a bit of luck, you will not get old.

With a bit of luck I wont moan about everything when im old! I certainly wouldnt want special treatment just because of my age.

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

And why should we all put up with their moaning? I for one am pretty sure that i wont be able to retire when i reach a pensioner age.

Why are we expected to be forever thankful for people who did what the younger generation is doing now in a much harder time.

I agree that pensioner should not lose their independence but that does not mean we should let them have a free and simple life just because they are old.

A much harder time?

Your disrespect for those who went through more harder times than a little sh** like you could ever imagine is amazing.

You really are a pin-up for Labours Britain.

You are of course joking right??

They went through MUCH harder times?? doubt that very much im afraid... and even if they did why do we have to be forever thankful?

Rubbish!

If I were in their postion i would fully expect to pay my way.

Perhaps you should learn more about the history and culture of your own country then.

sparkleeye wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

And why should we all put up with their moaning? I for one am pretty sure that i wont be able to retire when i reach a pensioner age.

Why are we expected to be forever thankful for people who did what the younger generation is doing now in a much harder time.

I agree that pensioner should not lose their independence but that does not mean we should let them have a free and simple life just because they are old.

A much harder time?

Your disrespect for those who went through more harder times than a little sh** like you could ever imagine is amazing.

You really are a pin-up for Labours Britain.

You are of course joking right??

They went through MUCH harder times?? doubt that very much im afraid... and even if they did why do we have to be forever thankful?

Rubbish!

If I were in their postion i would fully expect to pay my way.

Perhaps you should learn more about the history and culture of your own country then.

this is 2013, we need to stop living in the past! You obviously need to accept change.

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

And why should we all put up with their moaning? I for one am pretty sure that i wont be able to retire when i reach a pensioner age.

Why are we expected to be forever thankful for people who did what the younger generation is doing now in a much harder time.

I agree that pensioner should not lose their independence but that does not mean we should let them have a free and simple life just because they are old.

A much harder time?

Your disrespect for those who went through more harder times than a little sh** like you could ever imagine is amazing.

You really are a pin-up for Labours Britain.

You are of course joking right??

They went through MUCH harder times?? doubt that very much im afraid... and even if they did why do we have to be forever thankful?

Rubbish!

If I were in their postion i would fully expect to pay my way.

Perhaps you should learn more about the history and culture of your own country then.

this is 2013, we need to stop living in the past! You obviously need to accept change.

So Mr 2013..lets hear all about how hard you have had it.....shall we?

sparkleeye wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

And why should we all put up with their moaning? I for one am pretty sure that i wont be able to retire when i reach a pensioner age.

Why are we expected to be forever thankful for people who did what the younger generation is doing now in a much harder time.

I agree that pensioner should not lose their independence but that does not mean we should let them have a free and simple life just because they are old.

A much harder time?

Your disrespect for those who went through more harder times than a little sh** like you could ever imagine is amazing.

You really are a pin-up for Labours Britain.

You are of course joking right??

They went through MUCH harder times?? doubt that very much im afraid... and even if they did why do we have to be forever thankful?

Rubbish!

If I were in their postion i would fully expect to pay my way.

Perhaps you should learn more about the history and culture of your own country then.

this is 2013, we need to stop living in the past! You obviously need to accept change.

So Mr 2013..lets hear all about how hard you have had it.....shall we?

I dont ask for sympathy thanks. I know my part in society and will continue to pay my way! I bid u good day sir/madam!

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:

sandman223 wrote:

sparkleeye wrote:
The Bus company still gets paid so it is not entirely "free".

If you want a more level field, why don't you go along then and tell the old folk why they should lose their independence and little bit of freedom they worked all their lives towards?

And why should we all put up with their moaning? I for one am pretty sure that i wont be able to retire when i reach a pensioner age.

Why are we expected to be forever thankful for people who did what the younger generation is doing now in a much harder time.

I agree that pensioner should not lose their independence but that does not mean we should let them have a free and simple life just because they are old.

A much harder time?

Your disrespect for those who went through more harder times than a little sh** like you could ever imagine is amazing.

You really are a pin-up for Labours Britain.

You are of course joking right??

They went through MUCH harder times?? doubt that very much im afraid... and even if they did why do we have to be forever thankful?

Rubbish!

If I were in their postion i would fully expect to pay my way.

Perhaps you should learn more about the history and culture of your own country then.

this is 2013, we need to stop living in the past! You obviously need to accept change.

So Mr 2013..lets hear all about how hard you have had it.....shall we?

I dont ask for sympathy thanks. I know my part in society and will continue to pay my way! I bid u good day sir/madam!

Run away! Run away!!

P.S what made you think you was due any sympathy...you wonderful product of Labour.

sparkleeye wrote:
P.S what made you think you was due any sympathy...you wonderful product of Labour.

Sparkleeye, these comments would be much more pertinent if people were not trying to score political points with every comment, rather than actually addressing the substance of the articles.

ALL YOU OAP'S SOUND LIKE A BUNCH OF BICKERING SCHOOL KIDS. YOU SHOULD BE PAYING CHILD FARE'S IN THAT CASE. OH AND NOT ONE MENTION OF THE X53 THEY ARE CANCELLING, WHAT A SURPRISE NOT. FUNNY ISN'T IT THAT YOU CAN'T AFFORD BUS FARES OR TAXI'S BUT YOU CAN AFFORD A COMPUTER AND INTERNET CONNECTION SO YOU CAN BICKER ON HERE.

sparkleeye..... yes i do support labour, if u knew ur history, tories have been a major controller of this country for many decades and look what a mess they have made! you are a fool who needs to remove ones head from their bottom! this topic is related to the bus service, and my point is still the same, pensioners should pay for a service like the rest of us, not moan when a service that they pay nothing for makes vital cut backs! nothing u have said has changed my view!

sparkleeye wrote:
P.S what made you think you was due any sympathy...you wonderful product of Labour.

where did i ask for sympathy?? fool!

Oh you two, book a room.

noodle06 wrote:
Oh you two, book a room.

They cannot find a bus to take them.

black sabbath wrote:
ALL YOU OAP'S SOUND LIKE A BUNCH OF BICKERING SCHOOL KIDS. YOU SHOULD BE PAYING CHILD FARE'S IN THAT CASE. OH AND NOT ONE MENTION OF THE X53 THEY ARE CANCELLING, WHAT A SURPRISE NOT. FUNNY ISN'T IT THAT YOU CAN'T AFFORD BUS FARES OR TAXI'S BUT YOU CAN AFFORD A COMPUTER AND INTERNET CONNECTION SO YOU CAN BICKER ON HERE.

Here Here!! And they wonder why people moan about the oldies?!

and back to the buses....
OAPs have a free bus pass thanks to the government...it in some way helps toward their low pensions... not everyone has had jobs which afford them the chance of a private pension.
The point is bus route are going but for some this is a real problem. A non car driver of any age may be able to pay for a weekly taxi with their food shopping but no bus might mean no one from Southill going into town not using the coffee shops or the bakers the butchers....
I use the number 6 which is being altered...there will be an hour in the morning and 2 in the afternoon when theservice is used for schools... this means getting the bus on Portland road which is fine as long as they arnt already full so dont stop.
The change in time of the Poole bus is crazy .
Solutions... sorry I dont know.

After careful reading of these comments, rants and insults, l have come to the conclusion the Aussies are correct "a bunch of whinging poms" I don't think I've heard anything constructive on here, to force change we have to have a coordinated plan to involve all interested parties, having a group here and a group their is not the answer

black sabbath wrote:
ALL YOU OAP'S SOUND LIKE A BUNCH OF BICKERING SCHOOL KIDS. YOU SHOULD BE PAYING CHILD FARE'S IN THAT CASE. OH AND NOT ONE MENTION OF THE X53 THEY ARE CANCELLING, WHAT A SURPRISE NOT. FUNNY ISN'T IT THAT YOU CAN'T AFFORD BUS FARES OR TAXI'S BUT YOU CAN AFFORD A COMPUTER AND INTERNET CONNECTION SO YOU CAN BICKER ON HERE.

Stop shouting, please.

......Or can't you type in upper and lower case??

I have said it before and I will say it again. No one, and I mean no one, has the right to expect anything free, be it a bus service or a lunch. back in the sixties, seventies and eighties, all pensioners paid a half fare, the same as a child. That I believe was a fair fare for everyone.

Yes, a lot of these elder people have experienced horrific things like the second world war and the war in Aden, just as my father did.

He is a pensioner, he is in his seventies, has no bus service to speak of as there are just 2 buses a day and none in the evenings or weekends. Does he complain, no he does not. He accepts that loss making routes cannot be maintained. But he also knows and acknowledges that if it were not for the free bus passes, there would be more income for the bus company so they could afford to allow more services and weekend services.

At the end of the day, when the passes were first made available, the government or local councils made a fair contribution to the cost of the normal fare, which was the equivalent of just below the child fare, as per 60s, 70, and 80s.

Then year after year, successive governments and local councils have reduced the amount given to the bus company per pass holding passenger to the pint where, from what a driver was telling me the other day, they only get something like 30 or 40 pence per passenger on local journeys of say Debenhams to Radipole or out to Chickerell.

When it comes to the longer journeys, they get about £1.70 per pass holding passenger going from Weymouth to Poole or Exeter, and some pensioners are using this to travel from Poole to Exeter. The National Express coach fare from Poole to Exeter varies but is no less than £12.90 for an over 60s ticket. If you take that into account, that means that 7 people can travel to Exeter from Poole on the X53 for the same price as one person travelling on the same journey on the coach. Yes, the journey time is 2 hours quicker on the coach, but pensioners don't mind how long the journey takes. This works the other way round too, so the bus company is taking 7 pensioners, holding passes from Exeter to Poole fort he same price as one pensioner on the National Express coach.

No bus company can afford to run at that sort of loss. Buses, being as they stop and start more often, use more fuel than a coach, and because the bus has more passengers, usually paying little or no fares, with a pittance from the council or government, they can not afford to run these services with such a loss.

I set a question on this page to all pensioners who have access to the internet and this website.

"WOULD YOU BE HAPPY TO PAY THE EQUIVALENT OF A CHILDS BUS FARE IF YOU WERE GIVEN YOUR BUS BACK, AND WOULD YOU BE PREPARED TO TELL THE GOVERNMENT YOU DON'T WANT A FREE TRAVEL PASS, BUT A 50% FARE PASS"

If enough of you think that you would be happy to do that, then contact Richard Drax and tell him that the pensioners of Weymouth and Portland do not want the free travel passes, they want 50% passes available at all hours of the day.

If enough older people say they don't want free travel. but reduced fare travel, then the government might scrap the free passes fort he type of travel pass you want.

My guess is that less than 100 people will say yes to my question above. But in the end, no one, pensioner or otherwise, has the right to demand something for free. You may be given it, but you have no right to demand it.

Something that has been overlooked in all this is that there will be no buses to Portland Bill this summer at all, open top or otherwise!

Another tradition gone!

Simon N.

So, as I suspected, not one pensioner has bothered to say that they do not want something for nothing.

On that basis ladies and gentlemen of the older generation, do not moan when the bus company takes away buses that are not making money.

As I said before, there is no such thing as a free lunch - someone always has to pay in the end.

The fact that none of you have agreed that you don't mind losing the free travel and pay the half fare instead, just proves how greedy you all are.

And they say the younger generation are the greedy ones.