News from Peter Skinner MEP

Southampton pensioner angered by axing of concessionary coach scheme

Mary Lloyd, 64, a retired teacher living in Southampton, has criticised the Tory-led Government’s decision to scrap the Concessionary Coach Travel Scheme.

The scheme gave over 60s and disabled people a 50% discount on coach tickets and it is estimated that last year more than three million UK journeys were made on National Express coaches alone. That discount from the Government has been totally cut and the scheme finished on 31st October.

Campaign groups Disability Alliance, Age UK and the Campaign for Better Transport believe that the cut to the concessionary fare scheme will significantly disadvantage disabled people and older people.

National Express coaches depart Southampton Coach Station for London and a range of other destinations throughout the day.

Mary Lloyd said: “I was devastated to discover they’d abolished the concessionary rate. I’m 64 and luckier than a lot of older people; I still manage to run my own car but the price of petrol these days has meant that I try to use cheaper forms of transport. I have family and friends all over London and a grandson in Bristol. The cheap coaches had been a real godsend. Now Cameron has got rid of them. It feels like this Government is targeting old people with their cuts, they’re totally out of touch with the struggles we face every day. I’ve bought the old ladies’ rail-card and that helps but I wonder how long before Cameron reaches out his greedy fingers to take that away too!”

Peter Skinner MEP said: “The concessionary coach scheme was a lifeline for many people in Southampton. Ministers don’t seem to get that coaches serve as a vital link for pensioners and disabled people who are likely to be isolated and alone without their concessionary travel.

“For the pensioner who uses a coach for their once-a-year holiday trip, or the disabled person who has no other means of getting around, losing concessionary coach travel could greatly reduce their quality of life. It’s also bad news that these cuts could threaten the long term viability of certain routes as passenger numbers fall.”