Public transportation. Why should it be free? Why should it not be free?

[Furryanimal]

UK concessionary bus travel provides free travel for eligible pensioners and disabled people, primarily through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, which allows use of a bus pass on local buses nationwide during off-peak hours. Eligibility is for those of state pension age or with an eligible disability, though local authorities can offer discretionary enhancements like earlier travel times or companions for disabled passholders. Scotland and Wales have separate, similar schemes, while London has its own specific rules for residents aged 60 and over.

England: You are eligible for a bus pass when you reach the state pension age. You can use the pass on local buses anywhere in England from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays and at any time on weekends and public holidays.

Scotland: You can travel for free on registered local and long-distance bus services at any time of day.

Wales: You can get a bus pass when you reach the age of 60.

London: You can travel free on buses and the London Underground when you are 60, but only within London.

Schoolchildren typically do not receive a national concessionary bus pass for general use. Instead, they may be eligible for a school travel pass which is a separate entitlement, usually based on distance from school and financial circumstances.
A school travel pass is a specific pass to get to and from school and isn't the same as the concessionary bus pass for pensioners and disabled people.

The UK operates concessionary train fares, primarily through Railcards, which offer discounts on national rail services for eligible people, and local council-run schemes. These can include discounts for seniors, disabled people, young people, and veterans, though many local schemes focus on bus passes that can sometimes be used for train travel in specific areas.

And here in Wales there is no time restriction on our bus passes either.
I’ve even it used on the Heart of Wales train…( only allowed between October 1st and 31st March).

 

[George1959]

In our new country Hungary public transportation is free for all people over 65 years of age.

Last year as we were still visitors, we used the railway from Lake Balaton to Budapest. My wife had to pay, I just showed the conductor my ID card.

 

[gruntlabor]

Not having any public transportation had a huge negative impact on my life. I was limited to jobs that were in walking distance of my house and my education came to a stop because the local colleges and trade schools were too far to walk. Not having any transportation to the doctor or hospital had a really terrible result for my son when he was a child.

I had, no car, no bus, and no phone for many years. All over the country people are unable to work, get groceries or medical care because of no public transportation in their area.

I would definitely vote to have my taxes raised to provide bus service in my town even though I now have a car. It seems well worth it to me. Free? Yes, I would agree to free tokens for some people.

Our taxes go for many things I would consider less important.

.. and exorbitant taxes have a huge negative impact on the middle class.

 

[Trade]

No, I'll settle for Universal Healthcare like 70% of the world's population has but we don't.

 

[Muskrat]

There is a compromise to be had in my neck of the woods. Add an additional tax to either gas or property taxes. I can hear the screams now…but this keeps the costs primarily to those that “have” and benefits the “have nots”. Public transportation allows people without other resources to work or attend school or get healthcare or groceries. We all benefit when the least of us benefits.