Dr Brian Iddon MP Gets on Board the Help the Aged Transport Campaign

Dr Brian Iddon MP for Bolton South East, joined Help the Aged at a reception in Westminster to welcome the launch of the new national bus pass for older people.

The bus pass came into effect on 1st April and people aged 60 and over will now be able to travel free on local bus services anywhere in England. Help the Aged has fully backed the new bus pass but has warned that some older people simply won’t be able to use buses due to mobility problems or poor local services.

Dr Iddon has backed the Charity’s Flexible Fares campaign which is calling for local authorities to provide alternatives to the bus pass such as taxi tokens or dial-a-ride schemes and has signed a House of Commons motion calling on the Government to support these schemes.

Brian Iddon said:

“The introduction of the free bus pass is fantastic news for older people throughout Bolton South East. This will give people the freedom to travel around the area freely without worrying about administrative borders.

“Getting out and about is vital to staying healthy and active in later life and I would urge all those over 60 in Bolton South East to ensure they take up this new entitlement.”

Kate Jopling, head of public affairs at Help the Aged, said:

1. According to a recent Help the Aged survey, when asked to improve one thing in their local area one in five older people chose more frequent and accessible public transport. Four out of 10 older people (44 per cent) said they would use their car less if public transport or concessions were improved

2. For more information about the Help the Aged “Flexible Fares” campaign, please visit www.helptheaged.org.uk