The Bourtons - News
Changes to the Bus Pass Scheme, and to Dial a Ride
Posted by Julie Tomlin on Feb 23 2011From 1 April responsibility for the concessionary fare scheme, which issues bus passes and tokens, will transfer from Cherwell District Council to Oxfordshire County Council.
All bus passes will continue until they expire, when new bus passes will be issued. They will be usable from 9am to 11pm daily. They can be used across Oxfordshire but other counties may have different arrangements. Also from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 bus passes can be used on Dial-a-Ride services by those who are unable to use normal bus services due to infirmity and who are registered with Dial-a-Ride.
Companion passes for journeys in Oxfordshire will still be available for those in receipt of carers allowance, who are unable to use public transport unaided.
From 1 April no further travel tokens will be issued. Existing and unused travel tokens are still valid until they are used up. Travel tokens can be used on buses, Dial-a-Ride, and taxis. But it’s advisable to check with the taxi operator before travelling to make sure that they still accept them.
Dial-a-Ride is not affected by these changes except that from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 people who are registered with Dial-a-Ride and are unable to use normal public transport due to infirmity will be able to use their bus passes on Dial-a-Ride services.
Cllr Michael Gibbard, Cherwell District Council's portfolio holder for planning and housing, said: "Cherwell District Council is keen to ensure that this transition goes as smoothly as possible. We will help in any way we can to make sure disruption is kept to a minimum. Because of this Cherwell District Council will continue to administer bus pass issuing and deal with enquiries on the county council's behalf until 31 March 2012."
For further information email customer.service@cherwell-dc.gov.uk, take a look at the website www.cherwell-dc.gov.uk, or phone 01295 227001.
Last changed: Feb 23 2011 at 1:27 PM
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