Published on Friday 20 March 2020
Local residents can now use their Connect concessionary fares scheme bus pass at any time.
The Council and bus companies have confirmed that time restrictions have been lifted to enable passholders to get to the shops and pharmacies during the coronavirus crisis. As well as adjusting their opening hours, most of the larger supermarkets have introduced special shopping sessions to enable elderly shoppers to get their essential groceries.
In line with most areas of the country, the BCP Council Connect bus pass scheme permits free travel after 9.30am on weekdays which is too late for pass holders to access the new shopping sessions.
From Monday 23 March all time restrictions will be removed which means that anyone boarding a bus in the BCP Council area with a bus pass can travel at any time.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Cabinet Member for Transportation and Infrastructure, said: "We want to support residents who rely on buses, and who need to go out, to make the most of the special arrangements being offered by the supermarkets. I am delighted that Morebus and Yellow Buses have agreed to accept all valid concessionary bus passes without time restriction.
"I must, however, urge residents to take the necessary precautions around social distancing such as sitting away from others on the bus or where possible avoiding travel and asking others to shop for them to protect their own health and the health of others."