Free travel before 9:30 to end on Monday 1st June 2020 for Concessionary Travel Pass holders

[rebbonk]

In March we removed peak time restrictions for English National Concessionary Pass holders to make it easier for the region’s older citizens and people with disabilities to take advantage of early shopping sessions at supermarkets.

In light of the most recent Government announcements, many people are now returning to work, this is expected to increase in the coming weeks with non-essential shops reopening and a number of children returning to school.

The demand for buses, trams and trains is expected to rise across the West Midlands – especially during the early morning.

For this reason, from Monday 1st June 2020, your Older Persons or Disabled Persons Concessionary Travel Pass will no longer be accepted before 0930 on weekdays. Usual arrangements apply on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

We're removing the option for you to travel before 0930, to ensure that passengers who rely on our transport network, can get to work and school safely during peak times.

Source: personal email

[dutchman]

They're as vague and contradictory as ever. What about the concessionary £1 fare which was available to pass-holders before the lockdown, does that still apply or has it been abolished?

[rebbonk]

Dear customer,

We sent you an email on the 28 May to explain the latest arrangements for using your Concessionary Travel Pass. Some of our customers have asked for further clarification and I am pleased to provide more information as follows:

From Monday 1 June 2020 the usual terms and conditions for your Concessionary Travel Pass will apply. These allow your free pass to be used from 09:30 Monday to Friday and all day on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
Free travel before 09:30 using your Concessionary Travel pass will no longer be available from Monday 1 June.
If you commute to work or college or need to make other essential journeys before 09:30, you can still do this by purchasing a supplementary travel ticket in the same way that you did before.
Transport operators will charge their usual pre 09:30 fares from Monday 1 June.
Some operators allow you to pay a reduced fare for travel before 09.30 and this varies by operator. You must have your Concessionary Travel Pass with you when you travel to take advantage of these offers.

The reintroduction of the 09:30 start time for free Concessionary Travel journeys is being made nationally. This change is intended to help spread non-essential journeys across the day and free up capacity at peak times as people return to work. This means customers at all times of day will be better able to socially distance and therefore travel safely.

I am sorry if our first email was not clear and hope that this additional information is helpful.

Source: personal email

[dutchman]

Ah, thanks for that Rebbonk

[dutchman]

The local buses were running completely empty last night. (And yes, they were still in service). The Birmingham bus had a few well-spaced passengers but seeing as how they're in a confined space it won't make much difference how far apart they sit.

[rebbonk]

... but seeing as how they're in a confined space it won't make much difference how far apart they sit.

That's the laugh of it all Dutchman. I'll not be getting on public transport for the foreseeable.

[dutchman]

Face coverings to be mandatory on public transport



Wearing face coverings will be compulsory on public transport in England from 15 June, the transport secretary has said.

Grant Shapps said "every precaution" must be taken as passenger numbers are expected to increase when lockdown measures are further eased.

People will be have to wear coverings on buses, trains, aircraft and ferries.

Very young children, disabled people and those with breathing difficulties will be exempt, he said.

Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing, Mr Shapps said face coverings would be "a condition of travel" and not wearing one could "ultimately" lead to a fine.

But he added: "Why wouldn't people want to do the right thing?"

Mr Shapps said surgical masks must be kept for clinical settings and instead travellers should wear the kind of face covering that can be made at home.

[dutchman]

What's the point of having pictures on bus passes if everyone is wearing face masks?