Got a bus pass? Then please check the date

Shropshire Council is encouraging people to check the expiry date on their bus pass.  If it expires in 2012 they will need to apply for a new one.

Renewals are free, but due to the large numbers of renewals required this year, the council have put together a schedule of dates when people must apply for their new bus pass, this being two months prior to the expiry date (hyperlink – shropshire.gov.uk/buspass).  This will help ensure that the council can get the new pass back to them in time.  For example, if someone’s pass expires in April 2012 they will need to apply for a new one  in February 2012.  If it expires in May 2012, they will need to apply for a new one in March 2012, and so on.

People can renew their bus pass online (hyperlink – shropshire.gov.uk/buspass) (available early February) or by completing a renewal form available from their local library, council office or from a customer service point.

Completed forms can be dropped off at people’s local library, council office or customer service point, or posted to Bus Pass Renewals, Shropshire Council, The Chancery, Abbey Lawns, Shrewsbury, SY2 5DE.

Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for transport, said:

“It’s important to check the expiry date on your buss pass so that you can apply for a new one before it runs out.

“We’ve done our best to make this process as convenient as possible; you don’t need to send us another photo and your new pass will be issued for free.

“Hearing from you will also enable us to get our records up to date so that we can contact you in the future.”

The Department for Transport specify that bus passes only remain valid for a maximum of five years, and that replacement cards must be applied for as they will not be automatically renewed.