Robin Edwards
Member
- Joined
- 1 Dec 2013
- Messages
- 370
I would agree here Bletchleyite - with public transport there is a strong argument for subsidy to avoid issues elsewhere. I believe in Luxembourg they have made public transport free to all? I'm sure someone will correct me here is I'm wrong.Passes aside, there is a paradox in bus operation. To get people out of cars you have to run fast and frequent services up main roads. For older, retired people with limited mobility you need "wanderbuses" around estates, but low frequencies are fine. If it isn't affordable to do both, what do you do?
The thing with TV is that everyone already pays except for the over 75s. Many deserve subsidy due to their low wealth/income but likewise many are 'wealthy'. Is is worth trying to differentiate? Maybe yes on principles used elsewhere or maybe not given the reasons many have cited. Example : 74 year old friend of mine moaning that he's going to miss out on free TV licence next year yet he owns 7 properties and has more cash reserves than most!
From the older people I know well (75-95), I think it fare to say that they have greater accumulated wealth than they've ever had in their past although they tend to remain frugal through habit. This may not be representative and can easily change if more care needs to be paid for of course.
Personally I have no axes to grind but would support fairness and consistency across all age demographics and wish that those most needy receive what they deserve.