On The Buses
| Published: 1st April 2008 11:47 |
Rother District Council has apologised on behalf of its distributor for any inconvenience experienced by its residents caused by the late issue of the new national bus passes.
The Council like all other local authorities in England has been asked to implement a free bus pass scheme for all those over 60 years of age and those people with an eligible disability.
The Company who are manufacturing and dispatching the passes for the Kent and Sussex Travel Schemes have not, at this time, been able to dispatch all the passes required, and are continuing to work at full capacity to minimise delay. This is through no fault of the District Council.
Arrangements have been made with our local bus operators to continue to accept the local passes for travel commenced in Sussex until 30th April to allow for the receipt of the National Pass for all our concession bus pass holders.
Some bus drivers have wrongly advised customers that they are unable to use their Sussex Pass after March 31st, despite agreement being made with the local bus operators. Rother District Council contacted the bus companies immediately this became apparent to confirm that old passes will still be accepted until 30th April.
The new national pass will be sent directly to all residents within Rother who currently have a Sussex Countycard expiring between March 2008 and February 2009.
The Council anticipates that almost 14,000 new national passes will be issued by the end of the week.
Kim Ross Manager of Customer Services and Development, said "The Council is working closely with local bus operators and other local authorities in East Sussex to ensure we have a consistent and coordinated approach to this national problem. The Council will use its best endeavours to ensure that the appropriate passes are issued at the earliest possible date. We would ask for residents to be patient whilst we try to resolve the issues involved and spend time on processing new applications as quickly as possible."
