“Firstly, pensioners using their bus passes are probably keeping a lot of services (particularly the more rural ones) running. If it weren't for the payments coming from the use of these passes the services would probably be withdrawn.

Secondly, these passes are so popular with the over 60s that any party trying to withdraw them or charge for them would lose so many votes that they'd be unelectable. The grey vote is a powerful block vote, and politicians are aware of that.”

“Jas, that is not the case at all. How dare you put across such awful stereotypes across the younger generation. They are nothing but courteous and respectful to the old people who swear at them, mutter at them, push their way in front of them in queues and worse.

Typical of a socially blinded old person to make these comments.”

“"They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them"

Members of the Armed Forces and civilians who are getting older in their old age, find it cynical that the younger generation make fun and complain about pensioners not only those living in Lincoln but live elsewhere. They think that being retired reaps all the benefits in. I can assure that this is not the case!

The old and the infirmed have to rely on help and where and when they can get it. But this is gradually being withdrawn for reasons of another.

Politicians, councillors, and city and town dignitaries would like the old to keel over and die. The old generation are becoming a burden to society, financially and politically and those in authority have run out of ideas of how to cope with pensioners.

The older parents are no longer respected within the family unit - their children can't wait for them to die too in the want their inheritance due to being greedy and of other matters.

But who really cares in the 21st century when money rules the hearts of people.

The next step will be euthanasia stsrting of voluntary then imposed.

Care to grow old with dignity? Due to financial constraits, old folk won't be allowed to!”

“Personally I would like to see some sort of means testing - just because people are old, doesn't mean they're poor. In fact some older people, with their fully paid off mortgages and index-linked pensions, are wealthier than us young people!

If, instead of providing free travel for pensioners, this money was used to subsidise all bus fares, we could probably reduce the cost of bus travel for all by a signifcant percentage and encourage more people of all ages to use them.

Also, if we want to encourage more people to use public transport, filling buses with old people doesn't do a lot for their image as an attractive and modern form of transport!”

“Bus Driver, I take your point. Getting on at the Barbican to go to the bus station does appear lazy. I too would have thought that when I was young and healthy. However, now I am older and have slight disabilities, I can see it from the OAPs' point of view. Even a trip of a few yards, especially if carrying heavy shopping, can be difficult if you are elderly and/or disabled and have great trouble walking. I have great sympathy for some of the unfortunate people I see in town regularly. Some of them find it painful to walk one step, let alone a hundred yards. Also, many old people like to shop in the Co-op at the 'bus station, and then just hop on a 'bus with their shopping. Therefore,the 'bus station is an important focal point for them. So before you point the finger, try and look at the situation from the other person's point of view.”