Hampshire County Council scrapping concessionary bus pass start time
The authority's lifting restrictions for travel in the mornings
Last updated 22nd Jan 2021
The concessionary bus passes for older people, issued by Hampshire County Council, would normally be able to used from 9.30am.
From Monday (25th January), the start time is being lifted, so people with the passes can be used at any time.
The authority say they're making the changes to allow people to travel for vaccination appointments and to take advantage of using public transport at quieter times, while schools are closed during lockdown.
Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, said:
"We want to do all we can to help Hampshire residents take up Covid vaccinations when they're offered them. We understand these are difficult times for people and we are doing everything we can to help. I hope that extending the times people can use their free bus passes will help older people travel to early morning vaccination appointments, and to travel at quieter times for essential journeys such as those for food shopping. I would urge everyone to continue to travel as safely as possible when using public transport for essential journeys."
The change is due to be kept in place until all students return to lessons once restrictions are lifted.
People who use a disabled person's bus pass in Hampshire can already use that at any time of day, throughout the week.
WHAT ABOUT WILTSHIRE?
The authority's decided that they will also scrap the start times for their concessionary bus passes - but they won't be bringing that into affect until Monday 1st February.
Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council said:
“We don’t want anyone to miss out on their vaccinations, so we hope this helps our older population to get to where they need to go and helps to ease any worries that they might not have been able to attend.
“It will also give them more opportunities to take essential journeys and pick up any supplies they may need.
“I would urge everyone to continue to follow all COVID measures on public transport and do everything possible to keep each other safe.”