NEWS RELEASES
All over sixties qualify for free bus pass
31st March 2006
AROUND 7,000 people in the Horsham District make use of our concessionary bus fares scheme each year and another 1,700 take advantage of our separately run rail card scheme.
Over a period of many years this has enabled many people to enjoy half fares on the local bus network and given them access to places that might otherwise have been denied to them. Now there is some really good news for everyone involved.
From 1 April there will be a dramatic change to the bus pass scheme and we will be able to provide completely free travel to all over 60 year olds and the disabled. Applications for the Sussex Countycard, as it is called, can be made now, however existing cardholders will be able to use their old cards for free travel from April 1 and need not apply for a replacement until the expiry date is reached.
The scheme is running throughout most of Sussex and all the passes are issued by local councils. For residents of the Horsham District, applications should be made either online or via our Council offices at Park North, North Street, Horsham, where a Concessionary Fares Scheme form can be obtained. This is only one page long and is simple to complete, though we do require some important information including National Insurance or Pension Book number, proof of age, i.e. Birth Certificate, a passport sized photograph and, in the case of disability, some written proof such as a doctor’s letter or disability card.
Anyone over the age of 60 can apply as well as others with disabilities. This includes people with severe walking difficulties, without use of both arms, profoundly or severely deaf, without speech, learning disability, blind or partially sighted. Also included are those not permitted to drive on medical grounds. In every case of disability a doctor’s letter will be requested.
The Countycard entitles the holder to free travel (from April 1) on local bus services where the journey starts or finishes within East and West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, to be used after 9 am Monday to Friday and any time at the weekends or Bank Holidays. The card can only be used by the name holder and must be shown to the driver or conductor on every journey. It is renewable each year but is not available to purchase season, express coach or excursion tickets.
If you wish to apply for one of the new bus passes please visit us online where you can download an application form or if you want any further information please telephone (01403) 215323, email: contact@horsham.gov.uk
On the issue of local travel concessions for students, further information is available by calling (01403) 215549. Meanwhile, anyone interested in the range of community transport options available in the Horsham District is invited to call (01403) 215137, email: community.development@horsham.gov.uk
Ends
Councillor Jean Burnham, The Chairman, Horsham District Council, Park North, North Street, Horsham, RH12 1RL.
Email: contactchairman@horsham.gov.uk