However, applications made now may not be processed in time for the April deadline.

Since October last year, Huntingdonshire District Council has been busy collecting new applications from existing bus pass holders as well as from people applying for the first time.

Councillor Peter Bucknell, whose executive councillor responsibilities include concessionary fares said: “Given the tight timescale set by the government, this has been a challenging time for council staff in getting everyone who is entitled to a pass to apply afresh and I would like to thank all those who have taken the trouble to do so. Our staff have now recorded almost 14,000 applicants on the new database and this has now been sent off to the company who will be manufacturing the new cards. Applicants will receive their new card, together with an information leaflet about the new scheme, in the post during March ready for the start on 1 April.”

‘We are aware that there could be around 3,000 people yet to apply and I would urge them to do so as soon as possible. These are people who have an existing pass or those still to apply for the first time. While existing old style passes will be valid locally until 30 June 2008, it is likely that these won’t be accepted on bus services outside Cambridgeshire after 1 April’.

‘I would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank all our Customer Service staff, who have been accepting these applications over the past few weeks. They have been faced with a huge undertaking in verifying these applications, many on a face to face basis with members of the public who tell me how much they appreciate the friendly, helpful service they have been getting”.

The council is advising people who have yet to apply that they will now not be able to guarantee 1 April delivery of the new passes. While they will make every effort to get them sent out by that date, the sheer number of passes that are being manufactured on a national scale by a limited number of companies, means that capacity is limited for late applicants.
Application forms can be obtained by telephoning (01480) 388388 or by visiting the council website.