Thurso pensioner's shock at lack of local interest in free train travel petition

A 68-year-old Thurso woman contacted the Groat to talk about how she was the only person in the area who had signed a petition to extend the older person's bus pass to cover free train travel.

The petition was created by Ronald John Bradbur and states: "We want the Government to extend the older person's bus pass so that once you reach the State Pension age you are entitled to free bus and train travel across the whole country."

Though it has over 4000 signatures it has a long way to go to reach its target of 10,000 and when the Thurso pensioner checked the stats on a map she found that she was the only local to have signed.

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "It would really benefit older people who can travel in comfort across the country. I found that there was only one person registered as voting for the petition in this area and I realised this must be me. I was surprised as I think people would be interested in voting but I think the message is just not getting out there. I assume that people are just not seeing it."

She said that the message needs to be spread "up and down the country" and thinks the target will soon be achieved when that happens. "I think it's such a great idea. It might not go through but it doesn't cost anything to put down your signature and vote. If you click on the map you can see all the counties and there are 12 in this area now.

"We need something like the Groat to spread the word as it would be a great thing."

The petition to the UK government also states: "Pensioners can become isolated and stuck at home after retirement, with many not being able to afford the high cost of train travel. A change to extend the older person's pass for bus travel to cover train travel would allow for easier travel across the country, enabling long day trips and other travel, which we believe would greatly enhance their mental wellbeing, by making it easier for them to get out of the house and travel to meet others and visit other places."

The petition can be found at: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/635105

The current number of signatures stands at 4368.

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