As a regular user of the concessionary travel scheme, I very much appreciate its value.
However, like Ian W Thomson, I recognise the requirements for review and possible changes (Letters, February 4). Here are some simple suggestions:
l Change the qualifying age to 65. Perhaps it should have been this from introduction, but women getting their pensions at 60 made this more difficult.
l Applications for membership of the scheme should be liable to a "one-off" administration fee of £50. Not a lot for the potential free travel involved and great value when compared to charges for a passport, TV Licence and Senior Railcard; costs less well-off seniors may still have to cope with.
l Consider the introduction of a card, again subject to an administration charge, which would allow 50% off bus fares for those aged between 60 and 65. This would help to soften the blow for this sector and still encourage bus travel.
With regard to introducing a minimum charge, arguably this would have to be scaled, dependent on journey distance and full-fare price. Not quite so easy to deal with.
Bill Matthews,
9 Nant Drive, Oban.
If, as stated, there are 1.2 million people in Scotland in possession of a concessionary travel card, each holder should be charged £20 per annum for that privilege. The shortfall in funding would be resolved immediately. In a survey of my fellow passengers on a recent journey to Aberdeen from Glasgow there was not one adverse comment on my proposal.
Secondly, may I also suggest raising the qualifying age for a pass to 65 years old for all able-bodied travellers, thus eliminating those persons over 60 travelling free to work each day while younger people possibly earning a far lower salary are having to pay the full fare.
Gordon Phillips (OAP),
8 Earls Way, Doonfoot, Ayr.
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