A good question ….free bus passes for pensioners ….is it stealing from the young !

United Kingdom
January 29, 2026 9:54am CST
There was a chat show on the radio when I was on the bus this morning ….not something I would usually listen to but it did give me several ideas for posts. One question was …..is giving a free bus pass to pensioners stealing from the young ? I don’t think it is. I have used buses all my life and I have always paid. Women used to get a free bus pass at 60 as that was retirement age, now the retirement age for ladies changes according to when you were born. I have to wait another 7 years before I get a free bus pass. I will have been paying to use buses 5 or 6 days a week for 56 years …..so yes, I have earnt a free pass. I don’t see why they think it’s stealing from the young. I was young and I was expected to pay. They get half price til 18 so they get a good deal. Anyway, what do you think ?
10 people like this
10 responses
Amber
@AmbiePam (113726)
• United States
29 Jan
Stealing from the young…puh-lease. Older people have been paying all their lives, they deserve a break. The young people will eventually get the same deal, and will finally understand. Also, older people, when they retire, will be getting less money. They definitely deserve a break from the cost.
2 people like this
Traceyjayne
@Traceyjayne (8403)
• United Kingdom
29 Jan
That’s what I thought….totally agree .
3 people like this
Fiacre Banks
@xFiacre (14282)
• Ireland
29 Jan
@traceyjayne I get to travel free throughout the island of ireland, north and south, now that I’m retired. Buses and trains. But since my wife is not yet retired she has to pay so it’s easier to just take the car.
1 person likes this
Four Walls
@FourWalls (83373)
• United States
29 Jan
If they think it’s stealing then they can pay for their bus passes when they turn 65!
1 person likes this
DE
@DaddyEvil (169017)
• United States
30 Jan
Any discount an older person gets isn't stealing from anyone else. If they can't afford to give the discount, then they won't give it. Anyone who claims it's stealing from the young is just younger then you and jealous.
Traceyjayne
@Traceyjayne (8403)
• United Kingdom
30 Jan
Yes, very true
1 person likes this
LindaOH
@LindaOHio (214982)
• United States
30 Jan
There are many countries that give free perks to the elderly. Why shouldn't you get a free bus pass?
DB
@dgobucks226 (37428)
•
30 Jan
I think it is a good idea. Senior citizens at a certain age stop driving and a free bus pass is a compassionate and supportive thing to do for our elderly. Let those young whippers snappers pay a little extra. Old folks have earned it.
Kayla Tsukino
@kaylachan (83204)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
30 Jan
In a country like yours, where you have no shortage of people who use buses, trains, and other forms of public transit, I would say no. I don't think so. Here Votran (county bus line) does half price for disabled people and above 65. The rest pay regular fair, unless there's a natural disaster then all fairs are free.
Fleur
@Fleura (34185)
• United Kingdom
29 Jan
I guess you could say that any kind of discount scheme is stealing from somebody, right? Because everyone else will have to pay a bit more to compensate. But the bus passes surely pale into insignificance compared to the benefits system!
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (372811)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 Jan
We've paid taxes all the way too, don't forget. I don't believe it's stealing from the young. Let them find something else to complain about.
Jimbo45
@Ineeddentures (19199)
•
30 Jan
It is not stealing from the young I think everyone under 22.in Scotland gets free bus travel