Pensioners can rest assured over tram fares

FOR years old age pensioners have been able to travel free on buses around the country. Now, in what must seem another blow to the already jinxed Edinburgh trams project, elderly passengers may have to pay to use the new trams. This is despite previous assurances that the free fares scheme would include the city's new transport project.

Initially it was thought the free fares concession would be included as the tram system would replace a number of bus services. But the Scottish Government is now said to fear opening "a can of worms" and a flurry of demands from local authorities if the tram is included. Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is poised to demand that Glasgow's Subway system is also included in the free fares scheme if it is extended to the trams. SPT officials also say they would be demanding parity for its Subway, and possibly ferries.

What a prospect now opens up of pensioners demanding that the full free bus service is maintained while they boycott the trams. With the capital's ageing demography, many who are not currently affected would almost certainly be by the time the trams are up and running. But there is always this consolation for today's pensioners: they have little cause to worry. Judging by the latest project delays, they'll be long gone on the bus via Pilrig to Eternal Rest by the time the trams are trundling.