Warning on fares in West Yorkshire
03/10/2007
Metro is warning that up to 250,000 of West Yorkshire’s over 60s could have to start paying for bus travel again next April unless they order the new English National Concessionary Pass by the end of October.
“From 1 April 2008, the new English National Concessionary Pass replaces the current Metro Senior Permit that people aged over 60 currently use for free bus travel across West Yorkshire,” explained Metro Chairman Councillor Ryk Downes.
New Passes are being introduced across the country as part of a Government scheme which will also give card holders free, off-peak, local bus travel throughout England.
“We are concerned that people with Metro Senior Permits with an expiry date beyond April 2008, will think they will only need the new Pass for travel beyond West Yorkshire and don’t realise they will need it for the local journeys they currently make as well,” said Councillor Downes.
“There are up to 400,000 people aged over 60 in West Yorkshire entitled to free, off-peak bus travel, but so far we have only received around 160,000 completed application forms,” he continued.
“This means there are approaching ¼ million people who could lose out if they don’t order their new pass before the end of October,” warned Councillor Downes.
People in West Yorkshire, eligible for the new Passes, have been able to order them at Bus Station Travel Centres and Post Offices since July.
“To avoid long queues we set up an alphabetical scheme at Post Offices but between now and the end of October, anyone can apply at any time,” explained Councillor Downes. “And of course Bus Station Travel Centres are still welcoming any completed forms.”
Metro has calculated that the end of October is the cut off date for ensuring orders go through the nationally-administered process and that their new National Concessionary Passes are sent out in time for 1 April 2008. Application forms are available from Bus Station Travel Centres and Post offices and full details can be found on Metro’s web site at the link below.
“The message is if you are over 60, or will be by 1 April 2008, apply now, and if you are not eligible but you have a relative or friend who is, get them to apply now!” added Councillor Downes