All systems go for concessionary travel

The first new concessionary travel passes will be dropping on the door mats of Warwickshire residents this week.

Last Friday (April 1) Warwickshire County Council took over the running of the scheme which provides passes to older people and people with disabilities from district and borough councils.

The first application was successfully completed just after 9am for a Kenilworth resident, and the process took less than ten minutes from start to finish.

In the first week, the county council has handled a total of 125 pass applications, including reissued passes. In Nuneaton and Bedworth 13 new applications have been received, Rugby 20, Stratford 20, Leamington and Warwick 29 and North Warwickshire six.

Customers have been complimentary of the service received this week. One customer enquired about a pass said "I would like to commend their knowledge and customer-care skills" while another added that the application process was “a really good experience… all were helpful and friendly".

Cllr Alan Cockburn, Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Environment and Economy said: “We have spent a lot of time and effort to prepare for the takeover of the service and to ensure that it was as smooth a transition as it possibly could be.

“I am impressed with the service and the excellent partnership working during the handover period from the district and borough councils to the county council.

“Early indications are that the service has bedded in well and that our customers have had positive experiences. Eligible residents should be reassured that the scheme in Warwickshire still allows for an additional half hour free travel from 9am Monday to Friday and all day at the weekend and Bank Holidays."

Barford resident Mari Saunders, who applied for her pass at Warwickshire Direct, said: “I found the whole application process really straightforward. All I had to do was bring a recent utility bill and proof of age, the advisor took my photo, and I should receive my new pass in the next few days."

Concessionary Travel is a national scheme that enables qualifying individuals to travel free off peak on local buses throughout England. Passes are provided to more than 100,000 Warwickshire residents who are eligible through either retirement age or a qualifying disability.

To apply for a new pass or change address, residents can visit Warwickshire Direct at  Atherstone, Bedworth, Kenilworth, Leamington, Lillington, Nuneaton, Rugby, Southam, Stockingford, Stratford, Warwick and Whitnash. For general enquiries call Concessionary Travel on 01926 418026.

For more information please visit the website at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/concessionarytravel