New bus pass scheme to start at 9.00am in Reigate & Banstead
News release dated 25 March 2008 about the operation times of the new national bus pass scheme in Reigate & Banstead.
Today (25 March 2008), Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has announced that the start time for the new national free bus pass scheme in the Borough will be 9.00am and there will be free 24-hour travel for disabled people.
From 1 April 2008 under the Government's new national bus pass scheme, free bus travel for over-60s and eligible disabled people on scheduled local buses anywhere in England starts at 9.30am.
Surrey Councils had previously agreed to adopt the 9.30am start time in line with the government’s standard scheme, so that the new scheme would be consistent across the County, making it as easy as possible for residents to understand and use.
The Council has changed its stance following the announcement by Transport for London [TFL] that it would accept Surrey passes on routes from 9.00am.
Cllr Dr Lynne Hack, Leader of the Council, said: “TFL’s decision to accept Surrey passes on routes from 9.00am meant that there would be a two tier scheme operating in Surrey, with some schemes starting at 9.00am and others at 9.30am.
"The Council believes that the same scheme should be available to all Surrey residents using TFL bus services and that Reigate and Banstead residents should not be disadvantaged. A consistent scheme is also easier for residents to understand and use.
“The government is only funding the scheme from 9.30am so the additional costs of running the scheme from 9.00am will have to be met by the Council, and ultimately council tax payers.”
The Council estimates the additional cost to be in the region of £30,000.
Free bus passes page
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
Town Hall
Castlefield Road
Reigate
RH2 0SH
01737 276000
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