Bus Passes for the Elderly - Passed and Cut by Kent

Management of the Concessionary Travel Pass Scheme (bus passes for the elderly) has passed to Kent County Council as of 1 April 2011. At the same time, the starting time of the pass was changed by Kent Conservatives from 9am to 9.30am.

The Liberal Democrats on Kent County Council opposed that change and voted for a budget amendment to protect the 9am start time, but were voted down by the Conservatives.

Lib Dem Folkestone West County Councillor Tim Prater said:

"The 9am start time made life much easier for many people who need to get to early doctors appointments, to do voluntary work and more.

"Shifting the start time to 9.30 will have a big effect on some peoples lives, and little effect on the overall budget as many journeys that would otherwise have been made between 9 and 9.30 will be taken later in the day - the saving could be small, but the impact on some peoples lives large."

From 1 April 2011, Kent County Council (KCC) will take over responsibility for the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme. There will be a number of changes to the way the scheme is run and what a concessionary bus pass entitles you to.

From 1 April, the main point of contact for the scheme will change from Shepway District Council to KCC. You should contact them for all enquiries.

* By telephone on 08458 247 802
* By email at buspass@kent.gov.uk
* In person at KCC Libraries and Gateways
* By post, by writing to ENCTS, Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone, ME14 1XX

There is also further information about the scheme at www.kent.gov.uk/buspass

You will be able to use your bus pass for free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England. Your pass is valid from 09:30am to 11.00pm, Monday to Friday and at all times on weekends and bank holidays.

Shepway District Council are not accepting any applications received after 1 April 2011. Applications after this date will need to be sent directly to KCC.