My mother, despite her challenging battle with rheumatoid arthritis, has repeatedly faced difficulties getting a seat on Stagecoach buses. It's an issue when she barely manages to pull herself up the steps, only to find there are no available seats. Unfortunately, she is not alone in this struggle. Most buses are full due to the unrestricted free travel for those above 65. I feel like if they can get upstairs on the bus then they shouldn’t be allowed one 

However, let's shed some light on a few facts. The UK holds one of the highest arthritis prevalence rates in Europe; around 10 million people suffer from some type of arthritis (Arthritis Research UK). We must support these citizens and their mobility needs. Eliminating free bus travel for over 65's is not the solution; instead, capacity management needs to be the focus. Limiting the available free tickets per bus without completely removing the provision may resolve the issue.

UK's demographic profile is shifting towards an aging population steadily, with an estimated 18% of the population over the age of 65. Public Transportation accessibility is a necessity. It's crucial we challenge Stagecoach to implement effective measures that accommodate everyone, particularly those with disabilities or mobility issues.

Sign this petition today to urge Stagecoach to reassess their free travel policy for those over 65, and implement changes that guarantee fair access for all passengers. This step is vital to ensuring equal opportunities for people like my mother who struggle daily with mobility impairments.