Hilda Hammond, 87, has launched a petition asking Worthing Borough Council to allow people with the passes to start using the bus network from 9am, the same time as other areas like Littlehampton.

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Currently, concessionary passes can be used only from 9.30am in Worthing.

Several comments have been received on our website. Tigger Rules said: "My daughter has a medical condition, which means she can't drive, so is entitled to a free bus pass.

"However, as she is not allowed to use it until 9.30am, it means she can- not use it to get to college. Even changing it to 9am wouldn't help, as she has to be in by 8.35am."

martinmc82 said: "I think it doesn't matter about the time of day you can use it, you should just be grateful that you are able to get a bus pass."

Jane 1 said: "If the object is to encourage more people out of their cars and into public transport, then every possible extension of free passes should be actively encouraged.

"If it's OK to have a 9am start in Arun and Adur, why not Worthing? It's not making any sense."

One reader wrote in saying the town's elderly residents should enjoy an extra half hour in bed and take the buses after 9.30am. Her letter can be read in full on page 21.

Last week, we put the issue to a public vote and asked, do you think bus passes for the elderly in Worthing should start at 9am or 9.30am?

Most people were in favour of a 9am start, with 70 per cent of the vote, meaning just 30 per cent of voters said 9.30am.

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