I’m 60 but well-paid, says MSP. Shall I get a bus pass?
Political Correspondent A GLASGOW MSP is asking constituents to help him with a dilemma of ageing.
John Mason wants to find out if people think he should apply for a free bus pass as he has just turned 60.
Mr Mason, while agreeing with the concessionary travel scheme, said he is in a wellpaid job and can easily afford the bus fare.
He is grappling with the decision of using what he is entitled to or accepting something for free at a cost to the public purse, which on an MSP salary of almost £62,000 he can afford to pay for.
Mr Mason regularly uses buses in Glasgow and said the fare for an all-day ticket is good value.
So he has asked constituents what they think.
On facebook, Mr Mason posted: “Having recently hit the age of 60, I have to decide whether I should apply for a bus-pass or not.
“On the one hand everyone over 60 is entitled to the pass. And all taxpayers are contributing to the cost through their taxes with the better off paying more than the less well-off do.
“However, I am in a wellpaid job and can certainly afford to pay for my bus fares. By not claiming the bus pass, I can leave more money in the public purse for other purposes.
“So should I apply for it and use it or not?”
The concessionary travel pass which everyone aged 60 and above qualifies for is not means tested and is available whether someone is in work or not and regardless of how much they earn.
So far, opinion is divided with many stating he should apply and others thinking he doesn’t need it.
The responses included Mr Mason should apply for it and use it to support the principle of universal benefits.
Several people stated Mr Mason has paid into the system for many years and as such deserved the bus pass.
Others however said as an MSP he didn’t need free bus travel.
One stated: “If you can afford bus fare leave the money in the pot.”
The Scottish Government is to consult on the future of the scheme and is looking into extending it to other groups but also at the long term sustainability of offering it all over 60s.
The scheme costs the Scottish Government around £200m a year in payments to the bus operators.
The cash was cut by almost £10m at the last Scottish budget, prompting fears bus firms would hike prices to meet the shortfall.
Around 230,000 people who receive the pass are aged between 60 and 65.
Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf, however promised the card would not be taken away from anyone
He said that whatever the outcome of the consultation, no-one who currently holds a free bus pass will have it removed.