Lib Dems welcome change of mind on start time for free bus passes

2.17.00pm GMT Mon 3rd Mar 2008

Residents waiting at Beare Green bus stop

Following pressure from Liberal Democrat councillors, Tory-controlled Mole Valley District Council has set the start time for the new bus pass scheme at 9am thus reversing the original decision to delay the start-time to 9:30am on Mondays to Fridays. The previous plan would have prevented many residents from benefiting from the scheme when they needed an earlier start. In Box Hill, for example, residents would not have been able to use the new bus pass on the 9:15 bus, so would have had to wait till after 11:30 to start their journeys. Other villages with infrequent services would have faced similar problems. Even where bus services are more frequent, the later start time would have inconvenienced many people with hospital or doctors' appointments. Under the new decision, the start-time for the new bus pass will remain at 9am.

The new national scheme, which allows people over 60 years of age and a range of people with disabilities to travel free on buses anywhere in England, comes into operation on 1 April. A small group of Conservative Councillors from the Borough and District Councils across Surrey originally decided to delay the start-time to 9:30, but this decision was over-turned by Mole Valley District Council on 3rd March after Liberal Democrat councillors had pointed out the impact on residents.

Margaret Cooksey - leader of the Liberal Democrat Council Group in Mole Valley commented: "We welcome this decision to respond to the strong views expressed by residents. It is unfortunate that the original decision has caused many people to worry about how this would affect their travel plans. Unfortunately the decision of the Tories to abolish the committee system for decision-making in Mole Valley will make it harder for residents' views to be heard in future."

Ian Fraser Ker - Liberal Democrat campaigner in Westcott - said, "I would encourage everyone who is eligible to take advantage of the new scheme - the bus service in Mole Valley is very limited, but this pass can be used in London and throughout the rest of the country where services are much more frequent."

To be eligible Mole Valley residents must have a Mole Valley bus pass. If you already have one you will be sent an application form which you need to return with a photo. If you don't have one you can obtain an application form from the Council Offices at Pippbrook - just visit or call 01306 885001.