Witney News - All change for concessionary travel!

All change for concessionary travel!

From 6th April 2010, the Government is changing the age of eligibility for national concessionary travel scheme. This will rise gradually from 60 to 65 over the next 10 years, in line with the changes to the state pension age for women.

This change will affect anyone applying for a bus pass whose 60th birthday falls on or after this date. Anyone who already has a bus pass, or is already 60, will not be affected.

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for the Environment says “The changes are being introduced in stages, the date you will become eligible for a pass will depend on the month you were born. If you were born after 5th April 1955, you will not be eligible for a pass until you turn 65.

“As a council we also give our residents the option to choose an annual allowance of local transport tokens or a discount rail card instead of the national bus pass if they prefer.”

If you are approaching your 60th birthday, you can find out when you will become eligible for a pass by looking at our age of eligibility table available online at www.westoxon.gov.uk/bus. Alternatively call 01993 861000 or visit one of the council’s Town Centre Shops in Witney or at the Guildhall in Chipping Norton.