Additional information
A. No. Because those benefits are
You may travel before 9.00am if you have a medical
paid for by the London authorities,
appointment and can show your appointment card or
England’s 2008 bus
only London Freedom Pass holders
letter to the driver.
concession explained
will be able to enjoy additional
Companion passes
Find out more inside.
local travel on the tube, trains and
Certain people who, in the opinion of the authority need
trams. You will, however, be able
a companion to be able to travel on public transport may
apply for a companion pass. To apply, you must obtain a
to enjoy the statutory national
certificate from your medical advisor confirming that you
concession of free off-peak bus
cannot travel alone.
travel when visiting the capital.
Companion passes are not part of the new national
Q.
scheme, however, Blyth Valley and neighbouring
I’m finding all the differences
authorities are able to continue to provide a companion
in the different schemes
pass on the basis of local travel. This enables travel within
confusing, what do I really
Blyth Valley, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and the
Durham area.
need to know?
A.
If you travel beyond these boundaries you will travel free
The new national pass entitles you
but your companion may be charged full fare. It is
to free off-peak local bus travel
advisable to check with the relevant authority in the area
anywhere in England. This is the
to which you intend to travel.
only service that is guaranteed.
The companion pass is identified by a +C symbol at the
There may be additional services
top right hand corner of the pass.
but you should check with the
To find out more about the new pass you may visit our
local travel authority that issued
yourlink offices at:
your pass for more details.
l
Blyth – Keelrow Shopping Centre
l
Cramlington – Forum Way
Q.
Does the decision to abolish
l
Seaton Delaval – Avenue Road
Blyth Valley Borough Council
Please note that the concession only applies to local bus
affect the new pass?
services and not theTyne and Wear Metro, London
A. No. The new Council will continue
Underground, local rail services or buses in Scotland and
to administer the scheme but Blyth
Wales unless there is a local arrangement.
Look at our website at
www.blythvalley.gov.uk
Valley will undertake the first issue
or call our
helpline on
01670 542500.
of the passes before it is abolished.
Lost and replacement passes.
Q.
What is the life of my pass?
If your pass details change, you move or lose your pass
A. No more than 5 years.
please call the helpline or visit one of our yourlink
offices. There will be a small charge for replacement
passes.
Q.
How is the new national bus
Q.
Will I be able to enjoy free
concession different to the
travel everywhere within
current one?
the UK?
A. From 1st April 2008, the new
A. No, the concession will only apply
national bus concession will
within England.
enable eligible users to get free
Q.
Is it only applicable to buses?
off-peak travel on local buses
A. The new concession applies just
specimen
anywhere in England .
to bus travel but some authorities
Q.
When exactly is
offer additional services. Check
off-peak travel?
with your local authority to find
A. Off peak hours are 9.30am until
out exactly what services are
11pm Monday – Friday, and all day
covered in your area.
weekends and bank holidays.
Q.
The new National Bus
If I visit an area that offers
In Blyth Valley and the rest of
Concession. Your
additional services, will I be
questions answered.
Northumberland you will be able to
entitled to them?
start your journey from 9.00am
A. Probably not. As a general rule,
onwards.
local authorities will only provide
From 1st April 2008 if you’re 60 or
For more information about
additional services for their own
over, or eligible disabled and live in
eligibility, visit
residents. Some authorities,
England, your bus pass is changing.The
www.direct.gov.uk/buspass
however, may provide them – check
www.blythvalley.gov.uk
new pass will allow you to enjoy free
with the relevant authority in the
off-peak travel on local buses
Q.
What is the definition of a
area to which you intend to travel.
anywhere in England.
‘local’ bus?
Q.
I don’t live in London, but I
A. The definition of a ‘local’ bus will
visit relatives there
Over the next few pages you’ll find
be self-evident in most cases, but in
occasionally. Will I be able to
more information about the changes
a few instances could include some
enjoy the same benefits as a
to the National Bus Concession. If
longer distance buses and coach
Freedom Pass holder if I
there’s anything else you need to
services where part of their route
travel there?
know, don’t hesitate to contact your
is registered as a local bus service.
If in doubt, pass holders can check
local authority or visit
with the service operator or local
www.direct.gov.uk/buspass
Continued overleaf
authority that issued the pass.
www.blythvalley.gov.uk
Document Outline
