Welcome for Stagecoach U-Turn over Unfair Fares

1.19.12pm GMT Wed 24th Dec 2008

Bedford Borough Lib Dems have welcomed the decision of bus company Stagecoach to reverse its policy which saw pensioners looking after young children charged for toddlers' journeys while under-fives accompanied by other bus users travelled free

Following pressure from Liberal Democrats and outraged bus users Stagecoach has reversed its policy which saw pensioners looking after young children charged for toddlers' journeys while under-fives accompanied by other bus users travelled free.

Stagecoach levied the additional charge against elderly concessionary bus pass holders despite the fact that it receives funding from the taxpayer for journeys made using the free pass. However, following demands for an end to the policy from the Lib Dems and complaints from local bus users, Stagecoach has now agreed that up to two children under five can travel for free with concessionary pass holders. This brings the situation for pensioners looking after young children into line with that which applies for other bus users travelling with under-fives.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Kingsbrook Shirley McKay fell foul of the Stagecoach policy herself when travelling with her grandson, and has welcomed Stagecoach's change of heart. Commenting on the issue, Cllr McKay said: "This is excellent news. Of course, Stagecoach should never have introduced its outrageous fares policy in the first place. Journeys made with concessionary passes are paid for by the taxpayer via the council in order to help pensioners travel around the local area. It is sad, then, that Stagecoach felt justified in trying to squeeze extra money out of older people with babies and toddlers in their care. However, I welcome their decision to reverse this approach and to treat pensioners with young children in the same way as other bus users. Fairness has prevailed."

Bedford Borough Council's current agreement with Stagecoach for the cost of journeys in Bedford Borough made using the concessionary bus pass is worth £1.8 million. Bedford Borough Council has announced that it has reached agreement with Stagecoach that the policy of allowing up to two young children accompanied by concessionary pass holders to travel for free will now form part of the concessionary travel agreement between the two parties.