Campaign for discounted fares for people on income support launched

The St Ivean today launches a campaign for the introduction of discounted bus fares for Cornwall residents on income support.
Cornwall residents who are over 18 and under 60 and not already receiving help with travel costs, would be entitled to a 50% discount on fares.
The case for a discount card for income support recipients is even more compelling than that for the elderly who get free bus travel within the county. Later this year a national bus pass will extend this to the whole country.
People on income support are by definition impoverished while not all elderly people are on low incomes.
Discounted fares would help prevent social isolation by allowing people on low incomes visit friends and relatives. It would also extend the opportunities for budgeting by allowing access to a wider range of shops. A single parent may not be able to afford to travel even to the next town because of the expense. For example, a single adult return fare from St Ives to Penzance costs at least £4.
London Transport already operates a 50% discount fare scheme for Londoners on income support.
The St Ivean is urging all political parties in Cornwall to back the campaign.