The restriction whereby Concessionary Bus Passes cannot be used for free travel before 09.30 on Monday to Friday is coming back. Use of the pass during the morning peak travel period has been allowed since March to allow passholders to make best use of the reduced bus services operating in the county.
However, with services now returning to normal, or nearly normal, and social-distancing rules reducing the number of passengers buses can carry by 75% bus operators are concerned that as more people begin travelling their services will be unable to cope.
Lancashire County Council has therefore issued the following notice to take effect from
Monday, 15th June
As lockdown is further reduced and non-essential retail starts to open from 15 June concern has been raised by operators that they may struggle to meet demand at peak times and have requested that the pre 0930 concession is now withdrawn. This is not only to create some capacity, on a socially distanced bus even one seat being used by a pass holder could prevent a worker being carried, but potentially more importantly on public health grounds. With demand increasing there is real concern that the current lifting of restrictions now risks those most vulnerable to Covid-19 being more exposed as the rush hours become busier and social distancing harder to maintain.
Following these requests Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Council and Lancashire County Council have considered this and have agreed to reinstate the 0930 concession restriction, and this should take effect from Monday 15th June 2020. Therefore from Monday 15th June 2020 ENCTS, NoWcard pass holders will be required to pay full fare for travel before 0930.
The Council notice also confirms that holders of Disabled Persons Passes will be able to travel before 09.30 on Monday to Friday on payment of a £1 fare.
The change will also apply in the North Yorkshire County Council area, where the restriction ends at 09.00.
Cumbria County Council had previously announced that it would review the restriction at the end of July.
The change will also apply in the North Yorkshire County Council area, where the restriction ends at 09.00.
Cumbria County Council had previously announced that it would review the restriction at the end of July.
