This week marks a decade of older and disabled people being eligible for free bus travel across England.
On April 1, 2008, it became mandatory for all councils in England to provide free bus travel for pensioners between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays and at all times across the weekend.
As the 10th anniversary approaches, research from the National Pensioners Convention has suggested the scheme's benefits outweigh its costs by three to one.
Ron Douglas, NPC president, said: 'One of the main benefits of the bus pass is that it gives older people the opportunity to get out, stay active and remain independent.
'The growing problem of loneliness among older people is costing the NHS and other services millions of pounds every year. Without the bus pass, this would be much higher.'
What do you think of concessionary bus travel? Submit your views in our poll or email david.hannant@archant.co.uk
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