Several councillors, including those from Babergh, have responded to a recent petition calling for older person's bus passes to cover free train travel.

The petition has been waiting for a government response for four days after reaching the 10,000 signature milestone last Friday.

It argues those who reach the State Pension age and have an older person's pass should be entitled to both free bus and train travel across the country in order to ease isolation.

Cllr Deborah Saw, Babergh cabinet member for people and place, said: "As a rural council with a high proportion of older residents, Babergh District Council already works hard to tackle the issue of social isolation and loneliness.

"Extending free train travel to the over 60s would certainly help – allowing them to meet friends and family all over the country, improving mental wellbeing and access to new experiences."

Babergh councillor Deborah Saw, left, (Picture: BDC)

In England, this would mean anyone who is 66 or over would benefit, while those in Scotland, Wales, and Northern would be entitled to it from the age of 60.

Data from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) revealed earlier this year an increase in rail fares of 5.7 per cent as of March 2023.

This hike in prices, the petitioners argue, leaves many pensioners unable to afford train travel.

Although several councillors are broadly supportive of the petitioner's goal, they are also aware of how costly such a measure could be.

Cllr Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council, said: "I am all for enabling people to get out and about on public transport in order to combat social isolation.

"I would like to see this initiative taken forward, but I am mindful that it has to be funded somehow as the train and bus operators cannot supply the service for nothing and making a loss would obviously mean an unviable service that would then cease, benefitting no-one."

Caroline Topping

Cllr Tim Weller, the cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing for Mid Suffolk, added: "This could represent a hugely enabling benefit for many older residents with stretched funds.

"But without means-testing it could also be a unilateral subsidy not required by all."

As low-emission zones such as London's ULEZ spread across the country, making public transport viable and affordable has become a priority.

Cllr Ian Fisher, a member of the executive in Ipswich, said: "The only reason an ULEZ zone works in London is because there is good public transport.

"Whether you agree with these zones, you can only reduce car use if you are going to ensure there is good, accessible public transport.

"It's something that should definitely be looked at seriously."

Cllr Fisher's thoughts do not reflect the Ipswich council's position which, along with West Suffolk District Council and Suffolk County Council, did not comment.

The petition has now reached more than 12,000 signatures and can be found at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/635105.