Concessionary Travel Scheme for
Purbeck
Purbeck District Council has announced its new
Concessionary Scheme from 1st April 2008.
Eligible residents of Purbeck will be able to
apply for free off-peak travel passes, which will enable them to
travel by bus, free-of-charge, anywhere in England between the
hours of 9.30 am and 11.00 pm. This replaces the existing
scheme where all-day travel was provided but only within the local
area.
The passes will also allow free travel
all-day at weekends and on Public Holidays.
Purbeck District Council’s Social Issues
Spokesperson Cllr Lovell said “The Council welcomes the changes
that will allow eligible people to travel throughout England on
local bus services. However, we are very disappointed that
Central Government is not fully-funding the scheme. Providing
all-day free travel would have left us with no option but to cut
other services or increase Council Tax. We are determined to press
central Government for fair and proper funding in the future”.
The Council is continuing with the alternative
National Transport Token scheme rail voucher scheme for eligible
people. The Council will also be seeking assistance from the local
NHS and bus operators to help overcome the problem of patients
paying for fares if their appointments fall within the peak travel
hours.
Existing pass-holders will receive their new
passes before 1 April.
First-time applicants are asked to contact the
Benefits Office, Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham,
Dorset BH20 4PP to collect an application form and
guidelines, or telephone Wareham (01929) 557240 for further
information.
Contact: Phil McStraw, Head of Revenues
and Social Support, Purbeck District Council on 01929 557208