South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) is writing to all senior citizens and mobility pass holders in the county to tell them about the new National Concessions Scheme.
This will entitle pass holders to free travel on buses anywhere in England from 1 April 2008. However, in order to obtain this concession, travellers must obtain a new pass as their existing pass will no longer be valid from 1 July 2008.
To be eligible they must also be 60 years old and over, live in South Yorkshire or currently be entitled to a Mobility Pass.
From today (1 October 2007) SYPTE will be starting a campaign to make everyone who currently has a South Yorkshire Senior Citizen Pass and Mobility Pass aware of the changes that are coming.
Then from the end of October SYPTE will be writing to all existing pass - holders and inviting them to order their new style pass.
When passengers receive this letter all they have to do is confirm their details are correct, attach a new passport photograph and return the form in the prepaid envelope provided.
The new passes will be then posted to home addresses during March 2008, in time for the new concession to start in April.
Roy Wicks, Director General of SYPTE said: “The introduction of free travel across England for senior citizen and mobility pass holders is a great idea as it gives passengers the freedom to use their passes on buses wherever they are.
“We are urging people to keep a look out for the letter over the coming weeks and if you have not received it by 15 November to pop into any of our Information Centres or call Traveline on 01709 51 51 51.”
SYPTE is also encouraging people who do not currently have a pass, but who are eligible, to make the most of this opportunity.
Mr Wicks added: “If you don’t have a pass already don’t worry, you have not missed out. Just pop down to your nearest Travel South Yorkshire Information Centre with some proof of your age and address, and two recent, passport size photographs and our staff will be able to issue you with a 2006/7 pass on the spot. Your 2008 pass will follow in March.”
The new pass will be a plastic photo-card and quite different in appearance to the existing paper product. It will provide free travel on buses throughout England from 0930 Monday - Friday; and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
For more information call Traveline on 01709 51 51 51 or www.travelsouthyorkshire.com