Michael Headley Calls for Free Pensioner Bus Fares

11.22.41am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 7th Feb 2005

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Campaigner, Michael Headley has launched a petition for free nationwide bus travel for pensioners.

This follows two years of uncertainty for local pensioners caused by threats of price rises from Bedford Borough Council. The Council's Cabinet has just agreed to increase the fares to mid-Beds levels in 2006. Fares in Mid Beds are currently 25% higher but could be higher still next year.

Michael Headley at Bedford Bus Station

Michael Headley said: "The only long term solution to this annual round of price rise uncertainty is to persuade the government to bring in free off-peak travel for all pensioners, wherever they live. This has already been introduced in Scotland and our pensioners deserve the same deal. That is why I have launched this petition to the government. There has already been a huge response and it's still early days."

"Many pensioners don't have a car and they rely on buses to survive in our increasingly car dominated society. But not only will it help pensioners, it helps to support the bus routes for all passengers. The more people traveling on buses, the more frequent and efficient are the services that can be provided for everyone."

Providing a nationally funded scheme will also stop the threat hanging over Council Taxpayers that they will have to pick up the bill in their area.

The petition is being circulated widely throughout Bedford & Kempston by Liberal Democrats and further copies can be obtained from Michael Headley (7 Hadleigh Close, Bedford. MK41 8JW).