I've noticed that some of the supermarkets chains have started dedicated shopping hours for the elderly and most vulnerable, which normally seems to be before 10am. It's a good idea and I'm sure the gesture is appreciated. However, those of us who are in possession of a concessionary travel pass for the bus in my area, are not allowed to use then before 9.30 - I assume the time is universal to other issuing authorities.
As this time was set to prevent overcrowding as people go to work, children go to school, I would think the logic of this restriction is now somewhat flawed in the current situation.
I've just sent a email suggestion to Merseytravel asking if this restriction can be removed pro temp.Perhaps we all should be suggesting this to the respective issuing authority for out CT pass. A bit of joined up thinking wouldn't go amiss!
Written by
SpiritoftheFloyd
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I went to Waitrose this morning and there was nothing but empty shelves unless you wanted Easter Eggs or spices, no bread, milk, veg, tins, very little meat, jams, teas ............ who the heck is buying all this stuff and why 🤷♀️
We live in a smallish market town that is well supplied with supermarkets (Waitrose, Aldi, two Sainsbury's, Tesco, and at least 2 Tesco Express). They are all struggling to keep the shelves even remotely stocked. Unless they, the supermarkets, do something to limit what people can buy at any visit it doesn't look like its going to get better anytime soon. On the positive side, the food bank donation collection area in Sainsbury is full to overflowing
I'm in a rural area so not much choice, no local shops other than farm shops which charge extra so if the supermarkets don't sort themselves out and start rationing we'll be struggling !
Nope... Mine is anytime but the next area has the 9:30 rule. So if I have an early hospital appointment I may have to buy a ticket at the border depending on the driver!
The main bus companies in the next area are lifting the 9:30 restriction. My concern is the number of buses is being reduced so distancing may be difficult. Some routes may be suspended that could make life difficult for many. Train timetables are also being amended.
Merseytravel lifted the 9.30 restriction yesterday afternoon. The bus servcies have been reduced, but mainly it's a case around here of taking out overlapping services, and Merseyrail are running every 30 mins rather than every 15. Now if people would just stop buying up everything in food stores! 😒
Most of (if not all, things are so 'fluid' it may well be all now) our buses (Dundee and Angus) have gone to holiday schedules. Not sure how that's going to affect the Scottish 60+bus pass holders.
I haven't used mine in the past year owing to being a germaphobe in an acute flare of recurrent pericarditis - our buses are nice but they are also rolling germ factories after the school and work commuter runs are over.
We laugh at the photos making the rounds just now of people in full PPE/bio-hazard kit but every time I see one of the photos just now I think, hmm. If I have to use the bus, I want a space suit!
Definately think we will all have to go round in bio hazard gear or gas masks or something if venturing out . My hands are wripped to shreds so will probably end up with sepsis aswell if I touch anything.
Update - Merseytravel have this afternoon announced :- The 9.30am restriction on concessionary travel for essential journeys, such as accessing designated shopping hours reserved for the elderly has been lifted.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.