CONCESSIONARY RAIL FARES

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Conference
2016 National Retired Members Conference
Date
13 June 2016
Decision
Carried

For many pensioners, the concessionary bus pass has been a lifeline, giving them greater independence in their daily lives and access to social and volunteering opportunities. It is a concession greatly appreciated by many of us.

Rail travel is expensive and beyond the means of many pensioners. Although concessions are available giving as much as 1/3rd off the cost of a journey, to qualify for the discount a pensioner must pay for a Senior Rail Card costing £30 per year at present. This is probably a good deal for regular travellers but not for occasional users. It would be reasonable that the restriction of not being allowed to travel during peak hours should remain in order that rail companies can avoid congestion.

Recent governments have advocated integrated transport systems to help solve road congestion and environmental damage. Pensioners would be able to assist with this concept by using bus and train travel more often rather than their cars. In addition, many of us have contributed taxes which have paid for substantial subsidies to train companies.

Therefore, this UNISON National Retired Members Conference instructs the National Retired Members Committee and calls on the National Executive Council to:

1)campaign urgently for this concession to be implemented;

2)work closely with relevant organisations to promote this campaign;

3)report on progress to the National Retired Members Committee meetings; and put on the website, the information must also be circulated to Regions and Branches;

4)publicise progress in UNISON magazines on a regular basis and report back to the 2017 National Retired Members Conference on action taken and actual achievements.