Temporary changes to concessionary bus passes introduced because of the covid-19 pandemic will end next week.
People holding passes had been permitted to travel before 9.30am to help them access shops during the pandemic. But the changes – which were introduced in mid-March – will no longer be in place after Monday 15th June, in efforts to ensure bus seats are available for both workers and students at peak times
Concessionary pass holders who do need to make essential journeys – for shopping, care or health reasons – are encouraged to travel later in the day, when buses are at their quietest. The concessionary pass can still be used to travel for free between 9.30am and 11.00pm on weekdays, all day at the weekends and on bank holidays. Passengers are reminded to wear a face mask when using public transport, and to not travel if they are showing any signs of Covid-19.
Councillor Jonathan Smale, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetpride said:
To maintain social distancing on bus services, the seat capacity has been effectively reduced, and although the number of people using public transport is expected to remain low, we want to ensure that there is enough room for workers and pupils who have to travel at peak times. I would like to thank the bus companies for supporting these changes during the early pandemic.