Eligible older adults and people with disabilities who hold a Portsmouth City Council-issued bus pass can continue to enjoy extended concessionary travel benefits on journeys starting in Portsmouth.
At a recent transport decision meeting, Portsmouth City Council confirmed it will extend its popular concessionary bus pass travel scheme for another year. Last year, three million journeys were made using concessionary bus passes in the city, improving access to public transport for residents travelling to work, education, healthcare appointments and social activities.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme provides free bus travel for eligible older and disabled people on bus services between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends. Portsmouth’s local scheme allows holders of a Portsmouth City Council-issued bus pass to enjoy enhanced travel benefits on journeys beginning within the city boundaries. These benefits include:
- Free travel on local buses between 9am and 2am on weekdays, and all day at weekends, for older persons bus pass holders
- Older persons bus pass holders with proof of a medical appointment at either Queen Alexandra Hospital or St Mary’s Community Health Campus can travel for free before 9am
- The provision of a companion bus pass, which allows holders of a disabled persons bus pass who are unable to travel alone to have a companion travel with them, free of charge, in Portsmouth
- Free travel on local buses all day, every day of the week for holders of a disabled persons or companion bus pass
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“Bus passes are a lifeline for many older adults and eligible people with disabilities, helping them stay connected to essential services, local amenities and their wider community. I’m delighted that Portsmouth is not only renewing its concessionary travel scheme for another year, but is also making voluntary enhancements that go above and beyond the national scheme. We’re proud to continue offering residents more flexibility and choice to travel, and to lead the way in supporting accessible public transport across the city.”
For information about concessionary bus passes in Portsmouth, visit the Portsmouth City Council website.