WEST Midlands women who lost out when their pension age was put back can now get free bus and tram travel.
But a Coventry campaign co-ordinator says the new measure does not go far enough.
So-called ‘WASPI’ women (Women Against State Pension Inequality) who were born between March 6, 1954 and November 5, 1954 are now entitled to a Women’s Concessionary Travel Pass.
It means thousands of women across the West Midlands can get the bus – or catch the Metro – free of charge after 9.30am, Mondays to Fridays, and all day at weekends.
The pass also means WASPIs can buy a standard ticket on National Express West Midlands buses for just £1 before 9.30am – just as OAPs can.
And they can also take a child with them for £1.
When the government made changes to the state pension age in 2011, it forced many women born in the 1950s to wait up to six extra years to get their state pension.
Because the government did not give the standard 10 years’ notice of this change, it affected these women’s retirement plans.
Jess Phillips, the MP for Birmingham Yardley, has long supported the WASPI campaign. She said: “I am really pleased about this move. WASPI women have been badly let down, and this is an issue of fairness.
“I would urge all WASPI women to take advantage of this scheme. National Express work hard to make sure they are an integral part of our community and this initiative is a further example.”
But WASPI campaign Coventry and Warwickshire co-ordinator Cheryl Sloan called on the West Midlands Combined Authority, councils and transport operators to back a concessionary pass for all public transport.
She and others have been lobbying West Midlands mayor Andy Street to back more measures to support WASPI women.
“We have suffered lasting inequality throughout our lives,” she said.
“What they should do is run this as a pilot because they will see the pick-up is not as massive as expected.
“There is a problem with people using public transport. Lots won’t bother with the bus pass.
“But a travel pass – including rail – would help everyone and give the economy a boost, with more people getting to the shops.
“This would help people who don’t have access to bus stops. As well as those who don’t have cars and many who are disabled.”
