One Government Giveth, Dare the Other One Taketh Away

Violet McCowatt, Grey Power Spokesman for Social Services, is appalled that Government is looking at downgrading the SuperGold Card Free off-peak Transport scheme. "While we agree that the scheme does need looking at, we would be totally opposed to it being downgraded. This was a scheme that was introduced to enable seniors to be mobile and self-sufficient by utilising off-peak public transport, but it now seems that this has been far too successful and used by too many. Surely when Government schemes are instituted it is with the intention of them being successful. We can see no sense in going back to empty off-peak buses and housebound seniors."

"We believe that there are a number of options open to the Government to improve the scheme, from the introduction of scanning machines for billing (eliminating the honesty/error issue of the transport provider company charging for more), the transport providers billing Government at special agreed concessionary rates rather than full one-way fares and addressing the cut the regional councils receive."

"This scheme is beneficial to our communities as a whole, whilst it aim is to enable seniors to get about, it also aids by reduced cars on the roads, public transport being fully utilised, maintains and generates employment (not only with the Transport Providers but also the cafes and stores that the seniors are frequenting) and greatly improves the lives of the seniors using it, completely in line with the Positive Aging Strategy. Any scheme that provides all that and more must surely be retained and improved upon."

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