According to UK researchers free bus passes given to citizens over 60 is a blessing for both the poor and the rich as it keeps them active and physically healthy too.
This scheme was introduced in the year 2006 however is under pressure to be scrapped owing to its annual cost of £1.1bn. Although this is a considerable amount, older people find this scheme to give money value apart from keeping them physically and mentally active. People are allowed to use this facility from 9:30 on weekdays and all day long on weekends and public holidays.
The Imperial College London has learnt that there has been a rise in the percentage of respondents from 56.8% to 74.7% from the year 2005 (the year before issuing the pass) upto 2008. During this period, people travelled more often and took to cycling, walking or any sort of public transport. Analysis also found that women living in London and over the age of 70 travelled by buses more often and walked more number of times than those without bus passes. The study found other barriers (access to car, poor accessibility and inconvenience and poor pedestrian access) that existed in the accessibility to public transports as well. However, overall it has been found that there has been a reduction in bus usage and walking among people. Hence, more concentration must be given to increase physical activity among people without bus passes as well.
