More than 30,000 residents across Tendring will benefit from a change to the start time for using Concessionary Bus Passes for journeys starting in Tendring as from August 4.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has listened to the views of its pass holders and recently made the decision to move the time from 9.30am to 9am.

The new start time of 9am will only apply to weekdays. The passes can already be used throughout England at anytime on weekends and public holidays.

Now, following talks with Colchester Borough Council (CBC), who are also changing to 9am, a common date has been set for the change to take place.

The two Councils have both agreed to August 4 to make it easier for passengers and the bus operators - rather than setting different dates which could cause confusion.

TDC has also negotiated for its pass holders to be able to start weekday journeys in areas covered by CBC at 9am with the same arrangement being made available to those from Colchester starting journeys in the Tendring area.

The national scheme start time for concessionary bus fares on weekday journeys beginning in other areas remains at 9.30am, but passengers are advised to check with the relevant local authority for any additional concession before travelling.

Cllr Lawrie Payne, Portfolio Holder for Benefits and Revenues at TDC, said he was delighted the matter had been resolved with a positive outcome for residents.

"This change has been made in response to feedback we have received from our residents which included a petition calling for a 9am start," he said.

"It shows that we have listened to people's views and taken on board their comments and concerns in this matter."

Cllr Payne added that he was pleased that the negotiations with CBC had worked out and it was a good example of two local authorities working in partnership to benefit the community.

TDC had originally gone for a 9.30am start time as that was part of the national scheme proposed by the Government.
But some holders complained that with passes not kicking in until 9.30am it meant that they could miss important appointments or have to pay to travel.

Costs associated with this change are not expected to be significant as most pass holders travelling before 9.30am would have taken advantage of the scheme anyway and will simply travel earlier.

The Concessionary Bus Passes provide free bus travel to those over 60 and those with certain disabilities. A new scheme was introduced on April 1 which gives holders free bus travel throughout England but does not include national coach services.

Tendring has the highest number of pass holders of anywhere in Essex and the number currently stands at around 32,000. That figure is expected to rise to 36,000 by March 2009.

Use this link to find out how to apply for a bus pass