I have a point to share about concessionary fares.
Many politicians and local authorities think that concessionary fares are a subsidy to bus companies, which is clearly nonsense.
In reality old-age pensioners like myself spend the money they save on bus fares in shops, cafes, and pubs. So it is a massive subsidy to retail, and the Treasury ought to be made very aware of this. It is an excellent pump priming exercise for the economy.
However, if the reimbursement levels lead to reduced bus services, it harms the economy.
The bus industry needs to get this info out to politicians, the media and the representatives of retail. The British Retail Consortium ought to be as worried about underpayment as anyone.
Each time I go from my house to Bradford or Keighley, I have an extra £4.50 to spend as a result of the concession. The VAT I cause to be paid is more than the bus company gets.
Sometimes I do not think the bus companies have any idea as to how to fight their corner. The bus industry is my chauffeur, and it deserves to do well on account of the service it delivers to me.
Ray Wilkes
Shipley
