Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the new free travel pass. We'll update this and add new questions as we get more feedback from local people about the new scheme.
Travel Passes from 1 April 2008
Over 20,000 people throughout North Lincolsnhire will get a new travel pass in the post during March. This is part of the big changeover to free local bus travel throughout England for people who are aged 60 and over and people with disabilities. The new scheme starts on Tuesday 1 April.
North Lincolnshire Council will continue to provide travel concessions which are over and above the Government's minimum standards.
- Passholders can travel all day every day in North Lincolnshire, not just after 9.30
- Passholders can travel at half fare or one third off Saver and Standard Single tickets on local trains. (Free if they are blind, deaf, limbless, learning disabled or unable to walk)
- Companions of disabled people can still travel free on buses (half fare or one third off Saver and Standard Single tickets on local trains).
Every pass comes with a leaflet telling you how to use your pass but if you're not sure - or if you haven't applied yet - these answers may help you.
I am applying for a pass for the first time. Can I still get a pass in the period up to April 2008?
Yes. Normal issue arrangements will continue until March 2008 in the usual places. But please note that anyone applying for a North Lincolnshire pass will also have to apply separately for a new travel pass.
Will the pass I have now entitle me to free travel throughout England?
No. Everyone will need to have a new pass to allow this.
Can I use my pass to travel anywhere in England now?
No this will start in 1 April 2008 and not before. Until then, the conditions of the North Lincolnshire pass are unchanged - see the green or blue leaflets for detail, depending on whether it's a concessionary or free pass.
When can I use my new pass?
From 1 April 2008 you can use your pass all day every day on local bus journeys starting in North Lincolnshire. Please note that if your journey starts outside North Lincolnshire you are not eligible for free travel before 9.30am on weekdays. You can use your pass all day Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays throughout England.
Which buses can I use with my new pass?
You can travel free on any local bus service in England. This means in Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Hull, Sheffield, London, Torquay... and anywhere else in England. But you can't use your pass on most National Express services including those from Scunthorpe to Doncaster and beyond to London and Birmingham. These are not "local bus services".
Can I use my pass on trains?
You can use your pass to get half fare travel (one third off Saver and Standard Single tickets) on local trains as far as Doncaster, Barton and Cleethorpes. You can also use your pass to travel to Lincoln or Gainsborough but these train journeys must be via Barnetby.
If you are blind, deaf, limbless, severe learning disabled or unable to walk because of long term illness or injury, you may travel free on these local trains.
Your pass will not be valid on the national rail network. And it will not be valid on trams such as those in Manchester, Sheffield or Nottingham, on the London Underground or on ferries. However the council has decided to continue providing concessionary travel on local rail services.
Can I travel all day?
The Government requires councils to provide free travel only between 9.30am and 11pm. The council has made an add-on arrangement to provide residents of North Lincolnshire with free travel before 9.30am as well.
You will now be able to use your pass to get free travel on any local bus service within North Lincolnshire at any time of the day.
However, if you want to use your pass to get free travel beyond the North Lincolnshire boundary before 9.30am it is unlikely that you will be able to do so. This is because other councils may not wish to provide this add-on for non-residents or even for its own pass holders.
Can I travel on long distance bus services?
Your pass will not be valid on long distance coach services such as National Express routes to Birmingham and London. This is because these are not classed as ‘registered local bus services’. This is the Government’s decision, not North Lincolnshire Council’s.
Your pass will not be valid on coach tours, excursions or private coach hires.
Can I use it in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
The Government is discussing with the devolved assemblies whether English travel passes could be used in the other parts of the UK. When we know more about the outcome of these discussions, we’ll let you know.
I haven't applied for my new pass yet. Can I still get one?
Yes! You can apply at Scunthorpe Central Library every Friday (except Good Friday) up to and including 16 May. All sessions start at 9.30am and end at 3.30pm. From the end of May, you will be able to apply for your pass at the Scunthorpe Shopmobility office and at most Local Links. Watch for further details in the next issue of Direct. It's easier to apply in person at one of our sessions but if you can't get to one of these, ring the council on 01724 297000 and ask for an application form.
There's no "last chance" to apply. From May there will weekly sessions at Scunthorpe Shopmobility and most Local Links.
When you come to order your new pass you will need to bring with you something to show that you are aged 60 or over, or have a disability. If you have a travel pass already, please bring it with you. It will show that you are already eligible and you won't need anything else.
Why do I have to wait for my pass to come through the post?
The Government decided that the new pass should be a "smartcard" to reduce the likelihood of fraud or misuse. The manufacture of these cards is a complicated process and is done by a contractor for the council. We recommend that you should usually allow two weeks between applying for your pass and getting it through the post. In March and April this may be longer because we expect that there will be a lot of late applications throughout England.
Can I continue using my old travel pass?
No. Old passes will not be valid after 31 May 2008 - even if it shows a later expiry date. You need to apply for a new travel pass if you haven't done this already.
What about Companions passes?
A disabled person who needs a companion to help them travel on buses and trains will have a "+C" symbol shown on their pass. This replaces the previous arrangement where a companion had a separate pass.
Companions are eligible for free travel on local buses (half fare or one third off Saver and Standard Single tickets on local trains) within North Lincolnshire and to and from Doncaster, Goole, Hull, Grimsby and Cleethorpes. We regret that the companions concession is not available elswhere in England. This is because companions are not included in the new Government scheme.
If you have any other questions about the new travel pass scheme, please ring the council on 01724 297000 or email your enquiry to customerservice@northlincs.gov.uk.