NE1: Free Bus Passes for Pensioners Act

[Blair]

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Sponsor: Clyde. You have 36 hours to advocate for this bill

[Clyde1998]

This scheme would give over 65s a free bus pass to enable them to travel around without having to use a car - this would help reduce the number of cars on the roads and hopefully boost the local economy by more elderly people travelling to shopping centres via buses (for example).

This scheme will be expanded to subway systems, where this applies.

[Blair]

Will it be means tested?

[Lincoln Republican]

I support this proposal in principle, however, I would prefer to see passes issued only to seniors who actually need the free pass.

I do not believe seniors who can afford these fares should be subsidized by taxpayers.

There should be a cut off income in order to be eligible for free passes.

[pikachu]

I support this, but our bus system is unreliable and sparse in many parts of our region, so I worry that the incentive, while good, might not be enough to actually get pensioners to take the bus. Maybe we can add this on to the mass transit expansion bill?

[Clyde1998]

Will it be means tested?

I support this proposal in principle, however, I would prefer to see passes issued only to seniors who actually need the free pass.

I do not believe seniors who can afford these fares should be subsidized by taxpayers.

There should be a cut off income in order to be eligible for free passes.

I'm happy to have an income cut off, however a lot over 65s would be retired - and wouldn't be earning much money as a result. I'm going to say $30,000 p/a, as a starting point, for a free bus pass. I'm willing to move that figure around.

I support this, but our bus system is unreliable and sparse in many parts of our region, so I worry that the incentive, while good, might not be enough to actually get pensioners to take the bus. Maybe we can add this on to the mass transit expansion bill?

I'm happy to add this to the mass transit expansion bill.

[DKrol]

Per the former Speaker's decision to allocate 36 hours to debate on this bill, I declare the period of debate over.

 We will now move to 48 hours for a vote, or until all Representatives have cast a vote - which ever may come first. Appropriate votes are Aye, Nay, or Abstain.

[Lincoln Republican]

Aye

[pikachu]

Aye

[Clyde1998]

Aye

[DKrol]

Nay

[DKrol]

By a vote of 3 Ayes to 1 Nay with 1 Representative not voting, the bill is passed and will be be sent to the Governor.