Bus pass users must get new travel card before end of year

IF you’re a user of the concessionary bus pass scheme around Wales, an important change is coming up.

Holders will need to reapply for their passes before Tuesday, December 31 – when their current passes will expire.

New-style Concessionary Travel Cards will be coming in as a replacement, Transport for Wales has announced.

The reapplication process has started.

All current green coloured bus passes will still be accepted and are valid until Tuesday, December 31.

Bus users are advised by Transport for Wales not to panic, but to apply for their new-style card in plenty of time before the end of the year to ensure they can continue to receive the benefits of concessionary travel.

The old-style cards will not be recognised by electronic readers on buses in the new year.

The new-style cards offer the same free travel rights and benefits as the current cards and are designed so that “they can work as part of an integrated travel network in the future”.

Applying for a new bus pass has to be done online.

If you’re unable to apply on the website in person, Transport For Wales advises: “You can ask a friend, family member or someone you trust to fill in the online application on your behalf.

“If you’ve any queries, please speak to your local council or call 0300 303 4240 to find out where local support is available. Please be aware that you won’t be able to apply by phone.”

A paper application form will only be made available by post in “exceptional circumstances”, Transport for Wales say. If you need to request a paper application, you can call 0300 303 4240.

■■To apply online visit tfw.gov.wales/ travelcards