General Discussion

This article is in today's Observer. As quite often with newspaper articles the really interesting arguments are at the bottom in the comment section.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/13/dont-take-up-free-travel-pass

Lynne we live in a strange world folk take without any thought i am entitled to a free bus pass but havent applied i simply dont believe i should as i can afford the fares.  Now when my friends of a similar age  bring up the question of free bus passes they always use the same argument we are entitled but are we.  I personaly dont claim for lots of things because i can manage i may have paid into the system for 40 years but that doesnt mean i am entitled.  There are over 60s who do need help they may have poor health or they may have fallen on hard times,  we all pay into the system just in case we need help its a insurance policy just in case things go wrong.

I have one but never use it as buses in this area are no good to me, so if I dont use it am I right in thinking I cost the country nothing

Yes no cost.

Many people who could have one dont seem to, so they must be happy to pay the full price.

I guess people who get heating allowance etc and dont think they should....there is nothing to stop them from sending the money back!

Wondering the heating allowance that everyone gets once you turn 60 cant be returned i tried and was told that if you feel that strongly about it sir you could always give it to charity as i have said many times its a very strange world we live in.