Concessionary Travel

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

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!

[bantam12]

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 🤷‍♀️

[stevejb1810 in reply to bantam12]

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

[bantam12 in reply to stevejb1810]

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 !

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

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!

[SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to MichaelJH]

Oh though it was universal, seems to be 9.30 with all the neighbouring authorities around here, well there you go, I've learnt something today!

[seasider18 in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

We were once in Worcester where there were two bus companies servicing it each with different starting times

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

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.

[SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to MichaelJH]

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! 😒

[Rose54]

Totally agree

My bus service are also introducing a new timetable as from Monday will be less buses .

I can understand why but it will mean, buses could be more busy .

I have a disabled pass so can travel at anytime but normal 65 passes here are Mon to Fri 9.30am to 10.30pm Sat Sun any time .

[Hidden]

Is it even at all safe to go on public transport? Someone just said it is suicide to go out .

[seasider18 in reply to Hidden]

Are Taxi's even safe now ? We were using them several times a week before restricting our outings to walking on the sea front.

[Rose54]

Hi

Our bus company has just announced that thier will be no restrictions on over 65 Bus passes to allow them to shop .

Hope others follow

[Sunnie2day]

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!

[Hidden in reply to Sunnie2day]

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.

[Maisiemay13]

Our local buses are relaxing the times for concessions so people can shop

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

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.