New National Travel Passes in the post

7:14pm Tuesday 25th March 2008

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Thousands of new National Travel Passes are now in the post to over 60s and eligible disabled people in our region.

Transport bosses at Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) have issued the new passes, which will offer one of the best free travel deals in the country.

Pass holders will be able to travel for free on off-peak local bus services across England when the new National Bus Travel Concession Scheme launches next week on April 1.

Greater Manchester residents will also continue to benefit from free travel on local trains and trams after 9.30am, with concessions before then.

Steve Warrener, GMPTE's Director of Finance and Corporate Services, said: "More than 300,000 people in Greater Manchester have applied for a new national travel pass and we are pleased that so many people have taken up the offer.

"The new smartcard style passes will start arriving with people this week and will offer a fantastic range of free travel opportunities. Anyone who hasn't applied for a pass yet still has time to do so.

"Existing GMPTE passes will continue to be valid on Greater Manchester services through til the end of September. But it's important to apply for a new pass soon as possible if you want to travel for free on local bus services throughout England."

People who have not yet applied for a travel pass should drop into the GMPTE Travelshop at their local bus station. Staff can verify people's age from their ID documents there and then and help them complete a form.

It is essential that they take a recent colour passport-style photograph, and proof of their date of birth and address.

Anyone who would like an application form sent to them by post should call GMPTE on 0161 244 1050 or email passes2008@gmpte.gov.uk". Postal applications should include photocopies of ID documents, not originals.