New early bird trial gives free bus pass holders even more freedom

Older and disabled residents in Buckinghamshire who qualify for a free bus pass, can now benefit from even more freedom following the introduction of a new early bird trial which allows them to use the bus before 9am for a reduced fare.

Holders of an older person’s bus pass or a disabled bus pass in Buckinghamshire are allowed free travel on buses. Previously this was only after 9am on Monday to Friday. In a pilot arrangement with local bus companies, Buckinghamshire Council has arranged for new, extended benefits to free bus pass holders to travel on a bus before 9am on weekdays by paying a fixed £1 fare. These additional benefits will be in place until 31 August 2023.

Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, explained: "We're delighted to be running this five-month trial in Buckinghamshire in partnership with our local bus operators, extending the scope of the concessionary bus pass scheme for our older and disabled residents.

“By offering travel before 9am for a reduced fare of £1, the new trial will provide greater flexibility and accessibility for passengers and promote the benefits of using the local bus network. It’s a win-win all round.”

Bus pass holders will continue to enjoy free travel on weekdays after 9am and all day on weekends and public holidays as was previously the case. Holders of a pass for a visual impairment can continue to travel free of charge at any time. Under the terms of the English Concessionary Fares scheme which offers free bus passes to older and disabled residents, the council reimburses local bus operators for the concessionary scheme.

The reduced fare applies to all journeys starting in Buckinghamshire with the exception of Carousel Buses' 102 journeys beyond Uxbridge (to Heathrow Airport) and Arriva's service number 724.

More information on the trial scheme can be found on the council's website.

Residents wishing to apply for or to renew a bus pass can visit www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/public-transport or contact the Bus Pass Team on 01296 674 747.