In message , at 18:35:28 on Sat, 2 Mar
2019, MikeS remarked:

ps One of the main objectives of the scheme, which was to create a
modal-shift for retirees from car to bus has failed to be delivered.
....

As already said, its difficult to use a bus pass if you don't "happen
to already live close to good bus services". When it comes to "creating
a modal-shift for retirees from car to bus" the same applies. If you
want people to switch from cars it is pointless to give them free
travel unless you first create the bus (or other) services to make it
feasible.

I wasn't very well thought through. Although it would have been a PR
disaster to only issue the passes to people in big cities.

But a bus an hour is enough to go out for the day - after all that's the
service on a great deal of the railways (outside of very big cities).
--
Roland Perry