Fares, Passes and Permits
New National Concessionary Travel Scheme from April 2008
A new National Concessionary Travel Scheme is being introduced from 1 April 2008 to allow residents over the age of 60, or those with a qualifying disability, to travel on local buses free of charge throughout England.
The scheme will apply after 9.30am anywhere in England.
Applying for a New Smart Card Bus Pass: (updated 26 Mar 2008)
All current bus pass holders have been contacted and requested to complete an application form and supply a photograph which will be digitally reproduced onto the new cards.
Smart cards will be produced and issued to qualifying residents in late March 2008. If you have not received your card by 1st April please do not worry - bus operators have been advised to accept the existing paper passes until September 2008, although these will only be valid for journeys within Mid and South Bedfordshire.
If you currently do not have a bus pass you can apply for a Smart Card under the new national concessionary travel scheme by filling in and returning an application form to South Beds Customer Services, together with a passport sized colour photograph. Permits will be issued free of charge, although a charge will be made to replace lost permits.
The application form is available in Adobe Reader pdf format here. You will need Adobe Reader to download the form - this can be downloaded from the Adobe website for free.
Travelling within/outside of the South Bedfordshire District Council
Current local arrangements within South Beds allowing free travel at any time are being reviewed in January 2008, in conjunction with our arrangements with our neighbouring councils which allow free travel outside of the South Bedfordshire District. As soon as we are able to confirm the continuation or ending of this arrangement, we will do so.
Please note that free travel outside of the area covered by any local arrangement (elsewhere in England only) will only be available after 9:30 am.
Travel Companions:
Residents who currently travel with a companion will continue to be able to do so within South Bedfordshire, but this is not a condition of the new scheme so may not be available elsewhere in England.
Rail Travel:
Arrangements allowing discounted train travel on certain lines have been reviewed and we are able to confirm the details of this arrangement.
Charges:
A proposed £5 charge will be considered by Members for lost or damaged cards under the new scheme and will be confirmed, should this be adopted.
Further Questions and Answers:
Q I have never had a pass before / my pass expired in 2007 or before. What do I do ?
A You should contact Customer Services on 0300 300 8000 to request an application form.
Q I have moved / I have not received my letter. What do I do ?
A Contact Customer Services on 0300 300 8000 to request a new application form
Q I can’t get to a photo booth. Can you accept other photos ?
A We can only accept passport quality and size photos. These must be recent (taken within the last 12 months) and full face.
Q If I lose this new permit, will there be a charge to replace it ?
A It is expected that a £5 charge will be made as the cost of producing the new cards is greater than previously.
Q I have received a form for a previous occupant. Can I use the form myself ?
A No. All forms are barcoded with the photocard number so please do not use it. The photocard number within the barcode is the unique number which links all the information about you. If you need a form please contact Customer Services on 0300 300 8000.
Q Can I use my new pass on National Express coaches
A No – this scheme is for local bus (and some rail) services only
Q Does this work in Scotland or Wales
A No - the scheme is for England only
Q Can I travel using my pass before 9.30 am
A Only in South Beds, this is subject to agreement by Councillors and our neighbouring local authorities so we will let you know if anything changes.
Q Will the existing arrangements for train travel continue?
A As soon as we are able to confirm the continuation or ending of these arrangements, we will do so.
Q My husband / wife is deceased. What do I do with the form?
A Please do not return it. We will only use returned forms to update our records, so no more communication will be issued
Q My form was sent to my previous address
A If you have the form complete it with your new address. Otherwise Contact Customer Services on 0300 300 8000 to request a new form.
Q I have received 2 forms. What do I do?
A Just complete one and return it. Destroy the other one.
Q My dog has destroyed my form or I have filled it in incorrectly. What do I do ?
A Contact Customer Services on 0300 300 8000 and we will send you a new blank form with your photocard number written on the top right hand corner. Please have your photocard ready when you call as you will be asked for your number.
Q I have had 2 forms and my wife / husband has not had one at all
A Complete one form and destroy the other. Contact Customer Services on 0300 300 8000 and we will send a blank form to the other party to complete.
Links relating to other website information about the new scheme:
Department for Transport (DfT) website link:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/concessionary/
DfT Frequently Asked Questions website link:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/concessionary/answerstofaq/answerstocbtfaq?page=1#a1000
Direct Gov website link:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/PublicTransport/BusAndCoachTravel/DG_10036264
