Sally Keeble MP has been promoting the new national bus pass for pensioners after government figures showed that take up is presently running at only about 55 per cent.
The new bus passes will allow pensioners to travel free on buses anywhere in the country off peak during weekdays or all weekends. In comparison the existing bus passes can only be used by pensioners in their own local authority areas, or in neighbouring authorities if there are agreements in place.
Figures provided by the Government show that with 51,777 pensioners and disabled people in
Sally Keeble said: “The new scheme starts in April, and people will need new bus passes to be able to get the benefits. It means that if they go to visit family or friends in other parts of the country, they will not have to pay pass fares if you are aged over 60 or disabled.
“I have posted out application forms to pensioners I know in my constituency – if anyone hasn’t got one, they’re welcome to phone me and I will post one out. There are also forms on the Council’s website that people can download.
“People may not realise that their bus passes are worth a lot more now that they can be used on buses anywhere in the country.”