New National Concessionary Travel Scheme from April 2008
Note that there is a separate local Transport Token travel scheme for young people aged between 8-19 years -
further details of the young people's Transport Token travel scheme can be found here.
'Smart Cards' - the new National Concessionary Travel Scheme Bus Pass:
Under the new scheme, Mid Beds is responsible for providing its eligible residents with a plastic “smart” card to replace the existing paper permits and photocards.
Applying for a New Smart Card Bus Pass: (updated 26 Mar 2008)
All current bus pass holders have been contacted and requested to complete an application form and supply a photograph which will be digitally reproduced onto the new cards.
Smart cards will be produced and issued to qualifying residents in late March 2008. If you have not received your card by 1st April please do not worry - bus operators have been advised to accept the existing paper passes until September 2008, although these will only be valid for journeys within Mid and South Beds.
If you currently do not have a bus pass you can apply for a Smart Card under the new national concessionary travel scheme by filling in and returning an application form (available below) to Mid Beds Customer Services, together with a passport sized colour photograph. Permits will be issued free of charge, although a charge will be made to replace lost permits.
The application form is available in Adobe Reader pdf format here. You will need Adobe Reader to download the form - this can be downloaded from the Adobe website for free here.
Travelling within/outside of the Mid Beds District *update*
At its meeting on 23rd January 2008, the Council's Executive agreed that the current local arrangements for journeys starting within Mid and South Beds Districts allowing free travel at any time will continue, in conjunction with our arrangements with our neighbouring councils which allow free travel outside of the Mid Beds District.
Please note that free travel outside of the area covered by Mid and South Beds District Councils (elsewhere in England only) will only be available after 9:30 am and before 11.00pm.
See News release here for further details
Travel Companions:
Residents who currently travel with a companion will continue to be able to do so within Mid Bedfordshire, but this is not a condition of the new scheme so may not be available elsewhere in England.
Rail Travel: (Updated 15 February 2008)
Current arrangements allowing reduced rate train travel on certain routes after 10.00am will continue until 31st March 2009 following agreement with rail operator First Capital Connect (FCC). The FCC Great Northern Route which passes through Sandy, Biggleswade and Arlesey is now included in the scheme.
Stations and the rail lines over which the concessionary rail fares scheme will run with First Capital Connect services can be seen on the rail map available here (Acrobat pdf document).
We will place further information about the Marston Vale Line between Bedford and Bletchley here when this is available although it is expected that the current arrangements for off-peak travel at reduced fare will continue with London Midland, (the new operators of the Marston Vale line between Bedford and Bletchley - formerly operated by Silverlink Trains).
Link-A-Ride Scheme:
Current Link-A-Ride pass holders will now be able to hold a National Concessionary Travel Pass as well as their Link-A-Ride pass.
These residents will be contacted shortly to request photographs.
Further details of the Link-A-Ride service can be found here
Charges: (updated 26 March 2008)
The first Smart Card is issued to you free of charge but a £5 charge will be made for replacing lost or damaged cards.
Further Questions and Answers:
Q I have never had a pass before / my pass expired in 2007 or before. What do I do ?
A You should contact Customer Services on 01462 611222 or 08452 30 40 40 to request an application form.
Q I have moved / I have not received my letter. What do I do ?
A Contact Customer Services on 01462 611222 or 08452 30 40 40 to request a new application form
Q I can’t get to a photo booth. Can you accept other photos ?
A We can only accept passport quality and size photos. These must be recent (taken within the last 12 months) and full face.
Q If I lose this new permit, will there be a charge to replace it ?
A A £5 charge will be made as the cost of producing the new cards is greater than previously.
Q I have received a form for a previous occupant. Can I use the form myself ?
A No. All forms are barcoded with the photocard number so please do not use it. The photocard number within the barcode is the unique number which links all the information about you. If you need a form please contact Customer Services on 01462 611222 or 08452 30 40 40.
Q Can I use my new pass on National Express coaches
A No – this scheme is for local bus (and reduced fares on some rail) services only
Q Does this work in Scotland or Wales
A No - the scheme is for England only
Q Can I travel using my pass for FREE bus travel before 9.30 am?
A Yes, but at present FREE bus travel will be available ONLY for journeys starting within the Mid Beds or South Beds Districts (this excludes Bedford Borough and Luton). We will let you know if anything changes.
Q Will the existing arrangements for reduced fare off peak (after 10am) train travel continue?
A Yes, agreement has now been reached with First Capital Connect (see separate map for lines and stations included in this scheme). We will publish details of arrangements agreed with Midland Mainline for services on the Bedford to Bletchley line when these are available.
Q My husband / wife is deceased. What do I do with the form?
A Please do not return it. We will only use returned forms to update our records, so no more communication will be issued
Q My form was sent to my previous address
A If you have the form complete it with your new address. Otherwise Contact Customer Services on 01462 611222 or 08452 30 40 40 to request a new form.
Q I have received 2 forms. What do I do?
A Just complete one and return it. Destroy the other one.
Q My dog has destroyed my form or I have filled it in incorrectly. What do I do ?
A Contact Customer Services on 01462 611222 or 08452 30 40 40 and we will send you a new blank form with your photocard number written on the top right hand corner. Please have your photocard ready when you call as you will be asked for your number.
Q I have had 2 forms and my wife / husband has not had one at all
A Complete one form and destroy the other. Contact Customer Services on 01462 611222 or 08452 30 40 40 and we will send a blank form to the other party to complete.
Links relating to other website information about the new scheme:
(please note Mid Beds is not responsible for the content of external websites)
Department for Transport (DfT) website link:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/concessionary/
DfT Frequently Asked Questions webpage:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/concessionary/answerstofaq/answerstocbtfaq?page=1#a1000
Direct Gov link:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/PublicTransport/BusAndCoachTravel/DG_10036264
