Boris Johnson credited the introduction of free bus tickets for retirees after he was told that the elderly use them to keep warm.
In an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, the prime minister described a 77-year-old pensioner who was riding the bus because she could not afford heating.
“To cut costs, Elsie is resorting to one meal a day. She is losing weight, she is 77,” said host Susanna Reed.
“She goes to the supermarket at the end of the day to buy discounted items with a yellow sticker.
“She gets up early in the morning to use her Freedom bus card to stay on the buses all day to avoid using energy at home. What else should Elise cut?
The Prime Minister replied: “Just to remind you that the 24-hour free bus pass was something I introduced.
The host replied, “Wonderful, so Elsie should be grateful for her bus ticket!”
As mayor in 2012, Mr Johnson reinstated free travel for Londoners aged 60 and over. Previously, the qualification with benefits had risen in line with the retirement age.
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