Pensioners, we all know, are an over-privileged bunch when it comes to public transport, what with their little cards which give them free transport on the buses. But many were greatly surprised to be told that their fares had gone up by an astonishing 42% on the local trains.
When asked, station officials said that there were posters warning everyone of the increases coming in at the same time as the new timetable on May 23rd.
Unfortunately, no-one questioned has managed to see one of these posters. Another official when questioned more closely said that he had read about the change in the Manchester Evening News, not a paper everyone reads in the Colne Valley.
SMART will be asking questions of Metro who presumably were responsible for agreeing to the increased fares and therefore advertising the change. What considerations were given to the ability of pensioners to bear the increased cost of travel.
But to go back to the real issue, and the increase of 42%. The fares for holders of the concessionary travel pass rose on May 23rd from 35p to 50p for a single journey and £1.00 for the return journey. This is now the standard fare within West Yorkshire.
At a £1.00, rail travel for pensioners is still extremely good value and many older people take good advantage of the travel across West Yorkshire to enjoy the variety of the area. But 42% without warning is a liberty.
Editor
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