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26 Mar 08Bus Passes Go Nationwide
Around 70,000 new bus passes will be delivered to addresses in Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch over the next few days, giving residents free travel throughout the country.
Residents aged over 60 and younger people with certain disabilities qualify for the Connect travel cards, which will allow free bus travel anywhere in England as part of a nationwide initiative starting on April 1.
More than two million journeys have been made over the last year under the existing scheme, which gives free travel in the Poole and Bournemouth area. The scheme's extension to the rest of the country will enable bus travellers to ride local services free of charge, including London buses. The existing time restriction before 9:30am on weekdays will still apply, with no restrictions at weekends.
Parkstone residents Allan and Doreen Skerman are looking forward to using their Connect travel cards on the buses this summer.
Mr Skerman said: "We use our free travel passes regularly. It has been great for visiting our local shops on the Ashley Road and for trips into Poole for swimming and walks around the park."
Mrs Skerman added: "We do both drive but find the bus so convenient for many journeys. The town centre bus Route One is a great way to get around Poole. We think this saves us about £5 a week each and helps stretch our pensions, plus we won't have to worry about finding a car park space!"
A small number of people who have recently applied for a pass since the beginning of March this year may not receive their new passes for the start of the new scheme. However, bus companies in the area have been asked to accept existing local passes until the end of April. This includes passes with an expiry date of March 31 2008 or later, but not passes that expired before this date.
John McVey, Passenger Transport and Accessibility Manager, Borough of Poole, said: "I am delighted that most passengers will have their new passes delivered on time for the national scheme. It's great news for both residents and retailers in Poole."
Passengers who haven't received their new pass by April 1 but who wish to travel outside the local area will need to obtain a temporary English National Concessionary Travel Scheme pass 
from their local authority.
Existing cardholders will be automatically reissued a new national branded pass. If you fit the criteria but don't yet have a card, download an application form or collect one from your local library.
Directgov