Local bus operator urges more people to claim free concessionary bus passes
Stagecoach East says that only around a third of those eligible have claimed theirs.
More older people are being encouraged to sign up for a free bus pass - with research showing over a third of those eligible haven't claimed one.
Stagecoach East says getting on the bus could help combat loneliness. The bus operator quotes research by Age UK which shows that around 940,000 older people experience chronic or frequent loneliness.
Catch the Bus Month, running throughout September, aims to highlight the role that buses play in local transport and society.
As part of Catch the Bus Month, Stagecoach East has called on operators to promote the availability of free bus passes. According to their own research over a third (34%) of people eligible for a free concessionary bus pass have not even claimed theirs.
If you are of state pension age or have a certain disability, you may be eligible for a concessionary bus pass from your local council, free of charge. This bus pass will allow concessionary travel on most buses for free.
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East said: “We know what a crucial role buses play in giving people vital connections to friends, services and wider society, and combatting the epidemic of isolation that impacts upon so many people.
“I think that the industry needs to do more to appreciate the scale of the problem and encourage people to make use of their free bus passes. After all, research by Age UK shows that around 940,000 older people experience chronic or frequent loneliness, and roughly 270,000 people in England go an entire week without speaking to a single friend or family member.
“The bus can play an absolutely fundamental role in breaking this cycle, whether by a friendly hello from the driver or a chat with the other passengers, or simply being able to get to the shops, days out with friends, or medical appointments. It is our responsibility, as operators, to make sure that people know they can get on a bus for free, and feel confident to do that.”
To find out more about whether you are eligible for a free bus pass, go to https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/national/concessionary-travel.