Archived press release

Date Published: 17/03/08

Bus pass holders in Aylesbury Vale will be entitled to even greater benefits when the new national concessionary scheme comes into force next month.

From 1 April, those aged 60 or over and people with disabilities will be able to enjoy free, off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England.

This means that eligible pass holders in Aylesbury Vale will be able to use local bus services to visit people in neighbouring districts without having to pay any fares. And even when visiting friends or enjoying a holiday anywhere in the country, the same pass will ensure free off-peak use of the buses there too.

The over-60s and people with disabilities will be entitled to free travel from 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays and at any time at weekends and bank holidays. Within Buckinghamshire, the bus passes can be used at the earlier time of 9am on weekdays.

The national scheme will replace Aylesbury Vale’s current concessionary scheme which allows pass holders free travel within Buckinghamshire.

Existing bus pass holders in the Vale don’t need to take any action to be part of the new scheme. They will automatically receive their free national pass by post in time for 1 April.

The bus passes will be in a smartcard format. A smartcard is a plastic, credit-card sized card, which contains a microchip that can store information. The cards will also include a photograph and the name of the issuing council to prevent fraud.

The government will provide some additional part-funding to local authorities to help pay for the

extension of the scheme as each council will be required to pay bus operators for all journeys which, under the scheme, begin within their respective district. AVDC has been provisionally allocated a grant of £358,000 to help cover the extra costs.

Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, said: “I hope our residents will make use of the many benefits this bus pass will bring. The new pass will make it easy to travel by bus to see friends, access vital services or visit places anywhere in England without having to pay a fare. I would encourage those people who are eligible, and who have never had a bus pass before, to apply for one now, so come 1 April they can get on board for free.”

As an alternative to the off-peak travel, AVDC will continue to offer eligible residents the option to apply for travel tokens (£5 for £60 of tokens) which can be used to pay for taxis or dial-a-ride services. Rail cards are also available with travel tokens at a cost of £2.

People who don’t currently hold a bus pass and believe they may be entitled to one can contact the council’s customer services team on 01296 585661 or by emailing custserv@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

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For interviews, please contact:
• Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, 01296 585710
• Lesley Yates, Customer Services Manager, 01296 585665