Wharfe over 60s get bus pass warning (From Wharfedale Observer)

Wharfe over 60s get bus pass warning

1:10pm Saturday 6th October 2007 in Local news By Amanda Greaves

OVER 60s in Wharfedale and Aireborough could end up paying full price for bus travel again unless they order their new bus pass by the end of this month, a travel boss is warning.

Metro Chairman, Otley and Yeadon councillor, Ryk Downes, is worried that too many passengers do not realise they need to have the new English National Concessionary Pass from April 2008.

The passes will give over 60s free off-peak local bus travel in towns throughout England, but will also replace the Senior Permit currently used for free bus travel across West Yorkshire.

Councillor Downes said: "From April 1 2008, the new English National Concessionary Pass replaces the current Metro Senior Permit that people aged over 60 currently use for free bus travel across West Yorkshire. We are concerned that people with Metro Senior Permits with an expiry date beyond April 2008, will think they will only need the new Pass for travel beyond West Yorkshire and don't realise they will need it for the local journeys they currently make as well.

"There are up to 400,000 people aged over 60 in West Yorkshire entitled to free, off-peak bus travel, but so far we have only received around 160,000 completed application forms. This means there are approaching a quarter of a million people who could lose out if they don't order their new pass before the end of October."

Metro will continue processing applications for the pass in the future, but there is concern that a last-minute flood of applications may not be processed in time for April. In an attempt to encourage early applications, Metro recently offered applications at Post Offices staggered according to alphabetical order of applicants' surnames.

Applications are available from bus station travel centres, post offices or online at (www.wymetro.com).