Enderby EYE

the village ...and beyond

New 'smartcard' Bus Passes en route to residents

31 March 2008

New 'smartcard' bus passes are starting to land on the doormats of some Enderby residents who applied for them.

The new national bus passes will give those aged 60 or over and eligible disabled people extended free bus travel across England.

More than 85,000 people living in Leicester and Leicestershire have successfully applied for a new-style pass and will receive it by post over the coming weeks.

On top of all the benefits currently available in the Leicestershire area, the smartcard will also provide free, off-peak travel on most local bus services in England from 1st April.

Anyone who may have applied late or has recently changed address will be sent a temporary pass which is valid until the new one arrives.

People who have not yet applied can still use their old-style pass for local bus journeys until September but anyone wishing to travel outside the local area elsewhere in England should apply for a new bus pass as soon as possible.

The County Council is administering the delivery of this new scheme on behalf of all the district and borough councils in Leicestershire as well as Leicester.

Nicholas Rushton, Deputy Leader of the County Council with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said:

"I am very pleased that so many eligible residents will be able to benefit from this new scheme straight away.

"It is important that people who haven't applied for a new pass yet realise that they can continue to use their old-style local pass for bus travel until it is replaced."

Anyone who hasn't received their pass by 23rd April or has a query can contact the Concessionary Travel helpline on 0116 305 0002.

Associated links:

» View info: Bus pass for elderly

» View info: Bus pass for disabled

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