Changes to Concessionary Bus Pass Scheme

CHANGES TO CONCESSIONARY BUS PASS SCHEME

A change in Government policy means that from April 1 Northamptonshire County Council will take over responsibility for administering the concessionary bus pass scheme from the borough and district councils in the county.

As a result there will be some changes to the service and the locations from which the passes can be obtained and renewed.

Previously, in addition to the basic bus pass, passengers in some boroughs and districts received extra benefits including travel tokens and concessions for companion travellers.

However, the government has changed its funding formula with the result that the county council is receiving less money to provide the service. In order to provide a uniform, affordable service across the county, the county council will only provide bus passes with a phased withdrawal of tokens.

Cllr Heather Smith, county council cabinet member for highways, minerals and waste, said: “Government has decided that top tier authorities should be the ones responsible for administering the concessionary bus pass scheme so that the service should be streamlined.

“However we are receiving less money from government to do this, which means funds are not now available for the ‘add-ons’ that were provided in some borough and districts.

“In order for us to run this scheme we need to provide a uniform service across Northamptonshire and in the current financial climate and with the money provided from government, what we are proposing is the only option.”

From April 1 pass holders will be entitled to free travel on all public bus journeys commencing in Northamptonshire after 9.30am and before 11pm on Mondays to Fridays (excluding Bank Holidays), and at all times on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

There will be a phased withdrawal of tokens dependant on which district council issued them.

·         Kettering – tokens accepted up until and including March 31, 2011

·         East Northants – tokens accepted up until and including June 30, 2011

·         Daventry – tokens accepted up until and including July 29, 2011

From April 1, 2011 companions will no longer be included in the bus pass scheme.

People of pensionable age and those with a disability who want to apply for a bus pass or renew their current bus pass can do so at any library.

For more information and to see if you are eligible for a bus pass please visit www.northamptonshire.gov.uk or ask at your local library.

ENDS

IN addition from April 1st NCC Library Service will be taking over the administration of the concessionary bus pass scheme.  From this date our libraries will be offering this service for the people of Northatns instead of the district & borough councils.

FAQ:

Where can i obtain a bus pass? From April 1st passes will only be available from your local library.

Can i made a postal application? No, only applications made at libraries will be accepted.

Am i elegible for a bus pass? Please visit www.northamptonshire.gov.uk or ask at your local library.

When & where can i use my bus pass? Anywhere in England but not in Wales or Scotland.  Within Northants your pass is valid Monday - Friday 09.30-23.00, all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.

Will i still be able to use tokens? There will be a phased withdrawal of tokens dependant on which district council issued them.  Daventry - tokens accepted until and including 29th July 2011.  East Northants - tokens accepted up unitl and including 30th June 2011. Kettering - tokens accepted up until and including 31st March 2011.

Will i still be able to include a companion on my bus pass? From April 1st 2011 companions will no longer be included in the bus pass scheme.