Time restrictions for concessionary bus passes reintroduced
This move could be very unpopular
In a move that may anger some, Wiltshire Council has confirmed the reintroduction of time restrictions for people with concessionary bus passes.
From 1st July, the passes for older and disabled people will only valid after 9:30am on weekdays and at any times at weekends.
The council had previously agreed with operators to lift time restriction from September last year to March this year, to encourage people back to the service after the lifting of COVID restrictions.
However, concessionary bus pass holders will be able to take advantage of the £2 or less single fare promotion until the end of October, when travelling before 9:30am.
Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We’d like to thank our bus operators who have worked with us on this initiative and also for allowing us to extend it for much longer than we’d originally planned. The scheme has helped to boost the numbers of residents using bus travel in Wiltshire, as well as helping to reduce our carbon emissions and improve air quality – all key priorities in our Business Plan.
“Residents with concessionary bus passes who want to travel prior to 9.30am will be able to make use of the Government’s £2 bus fare cap scheme, which has now been extended further to the end of October. It’s been great to see so many taking advantage of this offer so far, and with the summer months upon us, bus travel is an ideal way to explore Wiltshire’s many attractions.”