Elderly and disabled Concessionary pass holders travelling on all locally registered bus services in North East Lincolnshire will soon be able to travel for free before 9.30am thanks to a new scheme.
Thanks to Bus Service Improvement Plan funding from the Department for Transport, eligible North East Lincolnshire Concessionary Pass holders will benefit from free local bus travel before 9.30am to 23.00pm Monday to Friday and free local bus travel all day weekends and bank holidays. Pre 9:30am Concessionary Travel will only be available to North East Lincolnshire Concessionary Pass Holders.
The new scheme goes above and beyond the Council’s statutory duty and will commence from Monday 3 June, which will be offered on all locally registered bus services provided by Stagecoach East Midlands in North East Lincolnshire.
It will allow people greater access to the town centre as it undergoes major regeneration. With upcoming projects such as the new Riverhead and Community Diagnostic Centre, now is a great time to introduce such a scheme.
Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure and Transport, Councillor Stewart Swinburn, said: “This is a fantastic scheme for those with Concessionary bus passes.
“Not only will it make public transport more affordable for elderly and disabled residents, but it will make the town centre a busier and more accessible location.
“With the Riverhead centre nearing completion and the new Community Diagnostics Centre under construction, there are numerous benefits to the scheme, helping passengers to access heath appointments, work, training or education and leisure opportunities.”
However, when travelling on public transport outside of North East Lincolnshire (For example, a journey commencing in Hull) with your Concessionary bus pass, as a general rule we advise that you can use your Concessionary bus pass to travel for free on locally registered bus services from 9.30am – 11pm Monday – Friday, free all day weekends and bank holidays. North East Lincolnshire Concessionary Pass Holders are advised to check with the relevant local authority before travelling.
Matt Cranwell, Managing Director at Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “We are pleased to work with North East Lincolnshire Council through our Bus Service Improvement Plan to expand the hours of free travel for local concessionary pass holders.
“Being able to use bus passes before 0930hrs on weekdays will give people greater travel flexibility especially when booking GP and hospital appointments.
“Buses provide vital transport connections for our communities and help improve the independence, health and well-being of our older customers.”
PIC-NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL
