SIR – Sadly good things never last, and the new year kicks in with an end to the Metro senior citizens 50p concessionary rail fare.
Now had the pensioners had a say, well I expect most would have happily paid more perhaps, even willingly, £1.
But as everything seems to be about percentage terms these days, that would have meant a 100 per cent increase which, in these difficult times, would seem particularly harsh on the elderly.
However, by replacing the ‘concessionary fare’ with ‘half-standard adult fare’ (and that’s providing you travel after 9.30am weekdays), Metro have effectively hit West Yorkshire pensioners where it hurts with, on average, a 200 per cent increase, and got away with it with hardly a murmur.
Now I expect that’s partly because few will want to rock the boat while we can still enjoy free travel on the buses, and yes, I along with all other senior citizens are very grateful for that.
These things said, it may all be a ploy of the Government and Metro towards easing overcrowding; ‘freewheeling’ pensioners being no longer welcome, there being few enough seats for full paying passengers, especially on teatime trains.
T M Hanson, Roydwood Terrace, Cullingworth
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article