Existing bus pass holders reminded to get on board

13 February 2008

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Woking residents, who are existing bus pass holders, are being reminded to send back their completed application forms for new passes in order to benefit from the soon-to-be introduced national concessionary fares scheme.

From Tuesday 1 April 2008, all people aged 60 or over or eligible disabled people will be able to enjoy free, off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England, not just across the county of Surrey. This means that eligible pass holders in Woking will be able to travel from 9.30am until 11pm on weekdays and all day weekends and Bank Holidays to destinations across the entire country.

The new national passes will look different to the passes that are usually issued. They will be in a standard format, which can be easily recognised by bus drivers across the whole of England and, to reduce the likelihood of fraud, all passes will include a photograph of the holder.

To prepare for the changes, Woking Borough Council sent out letters to all holders of current bus pass holders in December, asking them to complete a short application form and return it with a photograph. Although the vast majority of people have already returned their forms, there are still a small number outstanding, and the Council is keen to receive these forms to ensure that all holders have their new passes for the beginning of April.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Concessionary Fares, said: "Preparations for the introduction of this new scheme have gone well and we are pleased with the response that we have had from Woking residents. However, we are keen to ensure that all eligible people benefit from this fantastic new scheme and would like to urge anyone who has not returned the form to do so as soon as possible."

It is anticipated that the new permits will be sent to out to residents' home addresses shortly before 1 April 2008. Enquiries about this scheme and what is required, should be directed to Woking Borough Council's Customer Services Team on 01483 755855.

Local people who have not held a permit before, but think they may be eligible on 1 April 2008, should also contact the Customer Services Team to find out more.