Maidenhead & Windsor

From April 1 Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents aged over 60 and those under 60 with a disability will be eligible for a free bus pass to enable them to travel on any local bus service in England.

The new national bus pass – common to all local authorities in England – will replace the existing bus passes which are based upon the Royal Borough Advantage Cards. Residents will, however, be able to continue using their Advantage Card for discounts at local shops and attractions.

New bus passes will be issued automatically by post to current bus pass holders during March, well in advance of the start of the new scheme.

The proposal being put to cabinet on February 21 is that concessionary travel will continue to be free AT ANY TIME throughout the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough – even though times of travel in other local authorities may be restricted to the government minimum of 9.30am to 11pm Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and bank holidays. Residents intending to travel in other boroughs using their new bus pass should contact the relevant local authority to find out the travel terms in their areas.

The new bus passes do not apply to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, nor to long distance coach services.

Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "This is really great news for our older residents and people who are registered disabled as it extends their free bus travelling horizons beyond Windsor and Maidenhead to services throughout England.

"The new bus passes will all be in the same format so they will be instantly recognisable. The transition to the new cards couldn't be easier – if you are already using a bus pass on your Advantage Card your new card will automatically be posted to you – and you can still enjoy all the benefits of your existing Advantage Card for the usual discounts at many local businesses and attractions.

"This is a new opportunity for more people to enjoy the delights of other parts of the country for free, and I hope everyone eligible will take advantage of it."

Anyone who is eligible for a bus pass between now and April 1 should apply at one of the existing issuing sites - contact the helpline 01628 683806 for details or email customer.services@rbwm.gov.uk.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead