Archived press release

Date Published: 28/03/08

Bus Pass

Pensioners in Aylesbury Vale are being urged not to miss the bus on a free country-wide travel scheme.

From 1 April, people aged 60 and over and those who are disabled will be able to take advantage of free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.

The government-funded scheme allows bus pass holders to travel throughout the country between 9.30am and 11pm, Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and bank holidays without having to pay any fares. In Buckinghamshire this scheme has been extended to operate from 9am on weekdays.

Aylesbury Vale District Council has sent new ‘smart card’ bus passes to all 14,882 existing pass holders in the district. The new passes, which are free to those who are eligible, have a national standard design so that they can be recognised by all bus drivers in England. Very recent applicants should expect to receive their new bus pass in mid-April.

Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, said: “I would encourage anyone who is entitled and doesn’t have a bus pass at present to come forward and apply for this card. In the past a council bus pass only entitled you to free travel on local bus journeys starting or finishing in Aylesbury Vale but from 1 April local bus travel is free of charge across England.”
To be eligible for an Aylesbury Vale bus pass, applicants must live in the district, be aged 60 or over or have an eligible disability. If you live outside the district, you must apply for a pass from the local authority where you live.

Application forms for the new bus passes are available on the district council’s website (www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/buspass), from its offices, or by calling 01296 585661. To accompany the form you will need a recent passport-style photo, proof of eligibility and proof that you are a resident of Aylesbury Vale.

The over-60s and people with disabilities can also apply for concessionary travel tokens as an alternative to the bus pass. The tokens offer a limited number of discounted journeys which begin or end in the Vale.

They can be used to pay for taxis or dial-a-ride services and are aimed at people who can’t use buses or who live in areas where there is a limited or no bus service. Please telephone the number above if you require further information.

Downloads:

File name	Summary	File size / Download time	File Format
Adobe Acrobat Reader is available FREE of charge. You can download it directly from Adobe's website by clicking the link to the right. Once on Adobe's website, follow the instructions on screen to install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Form to apply for a free bus pass 2008		97KB 56Kbps Modem: Less than 1 Minute Broadband : Less than 1 Minute
Frequently asked questions about the free bus pass scheme 2008	Frequently asked questions about the free bus pass permit	38KB 56Kbps Modem: Less than 1 Minute Broadband : Less than 1 Minute
Bus pass information sheet 2008	Details of the free bus permit scheme 2008	51KB 56Kbps Modem: Less than 1 Minute Broadband : Less than 1 Minute