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West End Extra - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published: 14 December 2007

Fare concessions... or is it becoming a free for all?

• WAS it a wise policy to allow children and young adults the right to travel free on London Transport? Only the other day I witnessed an example of how this policy is being abused.
Around 11pm several youngsters, apparently unconcerned about either paying a fare or going to school the following day, freely boarded a bus, showing no intention of acknowledging the bus driver – and, needless to say, the driver showed no inclination to enquire as to the children’s youths’ eligibility either.
No doubt the fare-paying passengers were “treated” to the usual mayhem engendered by those already mentioned.
The question begs itself as to why these youngsters were out and about at that time of night. Does the word “truancy” rear its ugly head? Since these youngsters were in possession of mobile telephones which were in constant use, does this call into question the soundness of the policy of London Transport in the first place?
I have no objection to the policy of allowing fare concessions to those genuinely in need, but surely this provision in the case of school children should be restricted to school hours only, not made freely available to those youngsters who see the need to jaunt around London at all hours.
I also read with interest in a local student newspaper that some students are repeatedly abusing fare regulations on National Rail. Apparently it is cheaper to suffer a penalty fare, than to indulge in buying a ticket!
Judging also from the tone of the comments in that particular “rag”, it would appear almost justifiable in their eyes!
Re a previous letter (November 23) about sob stories meted out to bus drivers by those seeking “free rides” – ie the “no money to pay brigade” – I am amazed by the obvious lack of interest shown by the bus drivers.
I WALKER
Dalgarno Gdns W10

Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, West End Extra, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@westendextra.co.uk. The deadline for letters is midday Wednesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld. Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number.
Letters may be edited for reasons of space.

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