From 1 April 2008, a new 'Free in England Travel Concession' scheme
starts and passes will be valid throughout England between 09.30
and 23.00 weekdays and all day at weekends and bank holidays.
In the Braintree District this will be valid from 09.00
to 00.00 weekdays and all day at weekends and bank
holidays.
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If you are 60 years of age or over, or you have a disability and
claim the higher mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
(DLA), AND you live permanently in the Braintree District
Council area, then you are entitled to choose one of the following
travel concessions each year to assist travel on public transport
throughout the county:
Free National Bus Pass - This
FREE bus travel pass entitles the holder to FREE
travel anywhere in England (after 9am weekdays or all day
weekends and bank holidays).
Travel Tokens - cost £15.00 for £40.00 value of
tokens. Tokens may be used to pay for most bus, taxi or rail fares.
They are intended to assist towards travel for the resident who
travels infrequently or is unable to use the public bus service.
They are available from Causeway House but if you require them
posted then the total cost will be £16.47.
We also offer the concession choice of a Fare
Paid Companion Pass (£34.00) to help
people with certain disabling conditions who need a companion with
them to enable them to travel. Please contact us if you
require help or advice about the eligibility requirements for this
type of pass.
Changes to Token issue
If you have chosen travel tokens as your concessionary
entitlement in the past please be aware that changes have been made
which may affect you.
From 1 April 2010 only eligible disabled persons assessed using
guidelines laid down by the Department for Transport and those
living in the following areas where there is no provision for
public transport will be entitled to tokens.
Alphamstone, Ashen, Bardfield Saling, Belchamp Otten, Belchamp
St Paul, Belchamp Walter, Birdbrook, Borley, Bures, Colne Engaine,
Fairstead, Faulkbourne, Foxearth, Great Henny, Gt Maplestead,
Gt Saling, Greenstead Green, Lamarsh, Liston, Little Henny, Little
Yeldham, Middleton, Ovington, Pentlow, Ridgewell, Stambourne,
Stisted, Terling, Tilbury juxta Clare, Toppesfield, Twinstead and
White Notley.
If you are a current token holder you will receive a letter by
the middle of March asking if you are still entitled to tokens of
if you want to apply for a National Bus Pass.
How to claim your concession:
-
Standard Application Form for
2010/11
-
Disabled Applicant Form
2010/11
If you have an existing 60+ pass which
expires 31st March 2010 you will automatically be sent a new
pass.
New Applicants: Application forms are available
above or from the Council Offices. You will need to complete an
application form, produce some required evidence as proof of
eligibility as well as a passport photo and/or payment (depending
on concession type applied for) and then your concession for the
year can be issued.
What to do if you lose your Travel Pass...
Please take care of your travel pass but if you do lose it a
duplicate replacement can be issued once we have received another
passport size picture of yourself and a £5 administration fee. We
ask that you wait 7 days before we issue a duplicate travel pass to
see if yours is handed into the Council.
Senior Railcards. Available to anyone aged over
60 and entitles the holder to 1/3 off most Standard and First Class
rail fares throughout Great Britain. Details can be obtained from
Senior Railcard.
Permanent residents of Braintree District can purchase a yearly
card at a reduced rate by calling 01376 552525 or calling in to
Causeway House.