First Free Bus Passes in Somerset

[03/04/2006]

Somerset County Council and the five District Councils have worked together to enable pensioners and people with disabilities free local travel. Bus passes for off-peak, county-wide travel will be valid from 1st April.

Tony Shire, Somerset County Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer county residents aged 60 and over, and those with disabilities, the opportunity to travel free on local buses.

"By using public transport, we all help reduce congestion on Somerset's roads and I encourage people to get a pass and make use of it at every opportunity."

The Somerset Travelpass Scheme entitles pass holders to travel free on public bus services, on journeys which start and/or finish within the county boundary, between 9am and 11pm on weekdays, and all day at weekends and on public holidays.

The new scheme follows an amendment to the Transport Act 2000 requiring local authorities to offer free, off-peak fares for older and disabled people on local bus services in England from April 1 this year.

Mark Pedlar, Group Manager, Integrated Passenger Transport Unit at the County Council, added: "If you already have a pass that currently entitles you to travel on local bus services at half-fare, you do not need to apply for a new pass. But, if you have "Half Fare" printed across the centre of your card, you will need to return your pass to the issuing Council for replacement. After April 1 just present your current pass on boarding the bus and you will automatically be entitled to travel FREE OF CHARGE ON APPLICABLE JOURNEYS."

To apply for a Somerset Travelpass either pick up an application form from a local council office or contact the appropriate district council direct:

Mendip District Council 0845 345 9155
Sedgemoor District Council 0845 408 2540
South Somerset District Council 01935 462235
Taunton Deane Borough Council 0845 345 9155
West Somerset District Council 01984 635296