Purbeck District Council and local bus companies have
worked together to provide free travel on some peak-time bus
services.
There were concerns that some people could
miss out on free fares, following the move to the new national bus
pass in April 2008, if their bus service was just before the
off-peak start time. However, local bus companies, Wilts
& Dorset and Linkrider, have agreed with Purbeck District
Council to accept bus passes on some of their services departing
just before 9.30 am.
Bus passes will be accepted on the following
services:
9.24
am Bere Regis
to
Poole
Service 387
9.25
am Swanage to
Bournemouth Service 150
9.25
am Swanage to
Wareham Service 725
(Thursdays only)
The Council was also concerned about bus pass
holders having to pay for travel to hospital appointments before
9.30 am. However, Bournemouth, Dorchester and Poole Hospitals all
participate in the “Choose and Book*” system allowing patients the
flexibility to book appointments at times that suit
them. The NHS may also be able to reimburse travel
expenses incurred in getting to hospital appointments for people
receiving certain benefits – people are asked to check with their
GP surgery or hospital for further details about “Choose and Book”
or reimbursements.
The new national bus passes will be issued, to
those who applied before the deadline, during the last 2 weeks of
March, in time for the 1 April commencement date. Bus passes will
be issued to late applicants from April onwards. Further
information can be obtained by calling the Benefits Office at
Purbeck District Council on 01929 557240.