Concerns Raised Over Higher Bus Fares for Non-Smartphone Users

Owen Fraser responds to an article by Anna Tims regarding the higher bus fares schoolchildren without smartphones face. Fraser commends Tims for highlighting the need for a unified approach to address the impact of technology on children in educational settings. He notes that in Scotland, bus travel is free for children and young people under 22 who possess a physical national entitlement card. However, he expresses concern over the lack of affordable bus pass options for those who do not use smartphones. Fraser mentions that he uses a non-standard operating system on his phone to avoid the always-online models of Android and iOS. He compares the prices of First’s weekly bus pass, which can be purchased on the bus, with its monthly pass, which is only available through the app. He calculates that he spends an additional £264 annually due to the app-exclusive pricing. Fraser argues that public transport accessibility should not depend on the type of technology used by passengers. He also points out that First is not the only company with such practices, citing that many supermarkets have loyalty schemes that are app-exclusive.