Mature Times - General Information

Greedy bus companies - or strapped for cash councils?

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:19:48 +0100

Since the introduction of free bus passes for the over-60s last April, more than 30 local authorities in England say they are having to cut other services to cover the costs - but the National Pensioners Convention (NPC), has hit back by suggesting that the real problem lies with the government and greedy bus companies.

Community transport website proves a hit

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:08:22 +0100

A new website to help people find out about community transport in Leicestershire is proving popular.

The European Health Insurance Card – a change for the better or is it?

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:03:55 +0100

In a surprise move the Department of Health has changed the way it provides information about using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). So what do these changes mean?

YOUR chance to design a bus for older people

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:29:34 +0100

A competition to design a London bus of the future that is fit for older people is firing the imaginations of would-be inventors in London and all over the globe. All ideas are welcome, with the emphasis on the imagination - not the technical side - so get designing NOW!

U-turn "fuels" call for petrol duty cut

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:52:17 +0100

Older people, who are finding it increasingly difficult to keep a car on the road, are warning the Government that their latest move to delay the 2p rise in fuel duty is not enough to keep their votes in the next general election.

The hidden cost of using your cards abroad

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:04:16 +0100

Going abroad? Then be careful how much you use your debit and credit cards - as the cost of splashing the cash can vary by as much as 250% for credit cards and even more for debit cards.

Free travel in London announced for injured war veterans

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:25:39 +0100

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has announced that injured war veterans in London are to receive free travel on the capital’s transport network, whether they are residents or visitors, in recognition of their service to the country.

97% of travel policies now imposing upper age limits - starting at 65

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:57:26 +0100

Many travellers aged 80 or over are being refused holiday insurance as more and more insurance companies shy away from offering cover for the older traveller.

Disabled commuters to be hit by new rush-hour train fare hikes

Fri, 23 May 2008 16:45:28 +0100

CrossCountry, which took over the rail franchise for services between Aberdeen and Penzance and between Stansted and Cardiff from Virgin Trains last year, has brought in a new charging system that means that holders of disabled railcards will be unable to purchase saver tickets with their railcards before 9.30am.

The European Health Insurance Card - make sure you follow the rules

Mon, 19 May 2008 08:58:52 +0100

If you fall sick or have an accident when on holiday in an EEA (European Economic Area) country how do you obtain medical treatment? Alan Taylor offers this expert advice, essential for anyone planning a trip or extended stay.

Parking justice for lifeboat veteran

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:50:49 +0100

Disabled lifeboat veteran Mike Parker has finally succeeded in persuading his council to stop giving his daughter parking tickets when she brought him his groceries – with the help of the Mature Times. By Jayne Warren

"New concessionary bus travel must go further"

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:56:21 +0100

Britain's biggest pensioner organisation has welcomed the introduction tomorrow (April 1) of free, off-peak bus travel for older people in England, but has called on the government to open immediate talks with the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Stormont to extend the concession to all parts of the UK.

Countdown commences for new national bus pass

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:21:27 +0000

The countdown has begun to a new bus pass concession offering a potential 11 million people free England-wide local bus travel and the opportunity for days out to some of the nation’s favourite landmarks.

"We need better public transport"

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:23:55 +0000

With seven out of 10 single people aged 65 and over lacking access to a car, Help the Aged is calling on central and local government to ensure public transport concessions match the needs of all older people.

National bus passes: wheels on the bus won’t go round for all

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 14:12:01 +0000

2008 marks the advent of a free national bus pass for retired people being introduced in April. But Help the Aged are warning that not everyone will be able to benefit from the new passes.