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Wiltshire

Reintroduction of normal time restrictions for using concessionary bus passes from September

Wiltshire Council will be reintroducing the normal time restrictions for using concessionary bus passes from 1 September 2020.

From that date, concessionary bus pass holders can only use their bus passes from 9:30am on weekdays, but can continue to use them at any time at weekends. Bus companies have been advised of the changes.

This means Wiltshire falls into line with the rest of the local authorities in the country in reintroducing allotted times for the scheme.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “From the 1st of September the council is re-introducing the 09:30hrs scheme start time on weekdays, in order to ensure there is enough capacity on the network at peak times for the return of school and college students.

“Bus operators have been notified of this change, and bus passes will not be accepted on ticket machines before 09:30hrs, unless travelling on an infrequent exempted route.

“In March we took the decision to relax our Concessionary Fare Scheme times so that concessionary bus pass holders were able to make essential journeys to shops and health appointments, before 9.30hrs during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As schools go back and many people return to work this is a good time to reintroduce the time restriction so transport and social distancing can be managed effectively.”

By Jon Hubbard

Cllr Jon Hubbard is the Wiltshire and Town councillor for Melksham South. First elected in 2009 he now sits as an independent. Jon is very active in the local community and actively works across the town and wider community. He helped create and continues to Chair both Young Melksham, who provide youth services in the town, and Age Friendly Melksham, who work to try and prevent social isolation for people of all ages. On Wiltshire Council Jon currently chairs the Children's Select Committee and is also Chair of the Adoption West Scrutiny Panel.