The new national free travel scheme on local bus services starts across England on 1 April 2008. Huntingdonshire District Council is busy taking applications from people who wish to use this scheme and urges people to apply as soon as possible and, preferably by 21 December 2007.
Anyone who is 60 or over or who has certain disabilities will qualify for the new scheme, which will allow pass holders to travel free on bus services throughout the whole of England during off-peak periods Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and bank holidays.
The council reminds people that even if they currently hold an existing pass they must reapply for the new scheme in order to travel after 1 April next year. Current passes will become invalid after that date.
Councillor Peter Bucknell, executive councillor for transport said, “The new national scheme means that our residents can enjoy free travel nationwide, but people must apply as soon as they can to be able to take advantage of the new scheme”.
Application forms are available within District Wide the council’s resident newsletter which has been circulated to all households across Huntingdonshire within the last couple of weeks. Alternatively, applicants can phone 01480 388388 to have an application form sent to them, download one from the councils website or collect an application form from the councils customer services in Huntingdon on St Mary’s Street, in St. Neots or St. Ives or information centres in Ramsey or Yaxley. Completed forms can be taken to any of these centres or posted to the council at Pathfinder House, St. Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3TN.
Applicants are reminded that all applications must be accompanied by a passport size photograph and proof of eligibility, the requirements as shown on the application form. If people are applying for the first time and want to use the existing scheme before 1 April next year, a second photograph will be required. Once the applications are submitted, it is planned that new passes will be sent in the post during March 2008 in time for the scheme to start on 1 April 2008.