Napier spearhead campaign to end discrimination of mature students

Mature students face ongoing age discrimination on account of Lothian Buses' failure to provide the same fare concessions for mature students as they do for students under 25 years of age.

A campaign headed by Napier Student Association (NSA) has gained Edinburgh-wide support from students, residents and the National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland. They aim to pressure Lothian Buses into offering the same discounted rates to mature students that their younger counterparts obtain.

Aran Simm, President of NSA, told The Journal: “Mature students are very much a part of the student population and Lothian Buses should reflect that in their fares.”

43 per cent of the students at Napier University in the academic year 2006/2007 were mature students. At the University of Edinburgh there were 5,824 mature students, representing 22.8 per cent of the students enrolled.

Mr Simm said: “We feel that in many cases, mature students are under greater financial responsibilities at home in comparison to younger students.

“We hope that with the extent of support we have received, Lothian Buses will respond accordingly and meet our demands.”

Edinburgh’s student unions have campaigned over the past three years for equitable fares for mature students. NSA has recently elicited considerable support across Edinburgh, manifested in the success of their petition.

They have obtained over 1,000 signatures and it is estimated the support of a further 1,300 un-named individuals.

James Alexander, President of NUS Scotland, told The Journal: "NUS Scotland has, for many years, been campaigning nationally for discounted public transport for all students.

“Lothian Buses are the only option for most students in Edinburgh, and must not be responsible for increasing student hardship in Edinburgh.”

Typically, an annual Lothian Buses Ridacard that offers practically unlimited bus travel throughout Edinburgh, costs mature students £72 more with the student card for under 25s costing £372 and £444 for mature students.

Mr Alexander said: “We look forward to campaigning for Lothian Buses to end their discriminatory Ridacard system once and for all.”

Lothian Buses have stressed that it is politicians’ responsibility to accommodate for mature students that are excluded from the discounted tariffs.

A spokesperson for Lothian Buses told The Journal: “With any discounted product a limit has to be drawn somewhere and there are always going to be those who are just the wrong side of the line and feel aggrieved.

“Bus companies are generally willing to offer discounted or free bus travel to any group of passengers so long as the fares revenue lost is received from another source to enable the company to pay the drivers wages, fuel and other costs that are incurred running the buses.

“Everyone would like to travel free or at a discount so it is up to the politicians to decide who is to travel free and who isn’t as it is the government or council who will pick up the bill.”

The Scottish government in January committed themselves to a Scotland-wide concessionary scheme for young people aimed at reducing the costs of travel.

Initially this was directed towards the 16 to 18-year-old age group but has been expanded so that all young people are eligible for dispensations in travel fares.

A spokesperson for Transport Scotland, although unable to comment on commercial decisions made by individual bus companies, told The Journal: “The Scottish government will continue to develop student support systems in consultation with stakeholders so that they are simple, fair and transparent as possible, with support targeted at those who need it most.

“Around 15 per cent of all students eligible to apply (approximately 35,000) receive travel expenses from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland. Applications are income assessed, but normally a student can expect to receive back all travel costs to and from their place of study above a minimum of £155 per annum.”

A solution to the discrimination mature students are confronted with is difficult to achieve. Neither Lothian Buses nor the Scottish government are prepared to take responsibility and make solid changes.

Josh MacAlister, president of the Edinburgh University Students Association, told The Journal: “This is a really challenging issue because the buck is continually passed between the provider, the council and the Scottish government.

“Someone should step up to the plate and recognise the needs of mature students.”