Concessionary Travel Pass

Download the Concessionary Travel Pass form here

Dear Concessionary Travel Pass Holder

NEW CONCESSIONARY TRAVEL PASS SCHEME FROM APRIL 2008

From April 2008 there will be a new concessionary travel pass for everyone over 60 years old and disabled people of any age. The pass will give free off-peak travel on all local buses, anywhere in England. Unfortunately, the scheme does not extend over the Border into Scotland.

Over 11 million passes have been issued nationally so this authority must make an early start to ensure that all pass holders details are correct.

According to our records you currently hold a Berwick-upon-Tweed Concessionary Travel Pass. In order to prepare your new pass we need an up to date photograph of you, and we want to check that the details we hold are correct.

You will find full instructions about how to do this on the attached form. Please return the signed form and photograph no later than 30th November 2007 in the pre-paid envelope provided.

You will be sent your new card by April 2008. Please continue to use your existing pass until the new scheme commences on 1st April 2008.

More information can be found overleaf. If you have any further queries, please phone 01289 301811.

Your questions answered:

Why is my card changing?

The Government is introducing a new national bus travel scheme which is part of its Local Transport Bill. The scheme will be administered locally by Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council.

What will my new card give me?

The pass will give free off-peak travel on all local buses, anywhere in England. The Government requires that this is between 9.30am until 11pm on weekdays and all day weekends and bank holidays. In this area, with your existing pass, we have been able to negotiate no restrictions; we hope that we will be able to do this again next year with the new scheme.

Why are you asking for photographs now when we wont be getting our cards until April 2008?

The new cards will be produced electronically and we therefore need to scan an up to date photograph and send it off to an external company, which will produce all cards.

Why are you asking for my details again?

In some cases it is many years since we issued the travel pass, and we must ensure that no-one has moved without telling us, or that other details or circumstances have not changed.

Will my pass be a smartcard, and what does this mean?

The Government proposes that the new national pass will be in a smartcard format. A smartcard is a plastic card containing a microchip which can store information electronically. In addition to its use as a travel pass, the smartcard could be used for additional services such as leisure or library services, but this is not planned in the Borough at present.

How long will my pass last?

An expiry date will be shown on the card, which will be approximately four years.

What about people who don’t have a pass now?

If you have friends or relatives who are approaching 60, or who are already eligible, and wish to apply for their first pass, please advise them to contact Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council on 01289 301811 to obtain an application form and further details.

As well as the information you are providing they will need proof of eligibility and residence in the Borough – details are available from this office.