Many of you will have a concessionary travel card – bus pass – and are aware that you will have to renew the card by December 31 when your current card runs out.
In Wrexham, there are more than 9,200 active cards in use – that’s cards that have been used more than six times in the last three months, and more than 60% of those holders have applied for their card to be renewed.
IF WE GET A BAD SETTLEMENT, WE’LL HAVE TO LOOK AT FURTHER CUTS. HAVE YOUR SAY…
Whilst that’s excellent news, there’s still more than 4,000 that still need to apply, and we’d like your help to make sure everyone makes the end of year deadline.
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If you’re aware of someone such as a friend, parent, relative or neighbour who uses a bus pass, please ask them if they know it needs to be renewed. Applying is very easy and there’s a very handy video produced by Transport for Wales that gives step by step instructions on how to do it.
If you run a group that elderly people attend could you take the time to mention it to them and see if they need any help?
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “When the application process first launched Transport for Wales, who are responsible for renewing the applications, had problems with their online process however, these are now resolved and the process is now working well and they’re catching up with applications. There’s still more out there however who need to apply and I would urge them to apply as soon as possible to make sure their card arrives by the end of the year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank staff, who have been helping with online applications, even to the point of coming in on their days off to help.”
“How to renew your bus pass online?”
Wrexham Library is also helping with applications and sessions are being held on November, 1, 8, 14, 22 and 29 between 12pm and 1pm. Just take along your current pass and national insurance insurance number.
“How can I help”
Whilst many elderly people are completely happy using a tablet, computer or phone not all have access to one.
So could you help someone you know apply online by using your device? It’s really quick and may save someone some distress at the thought of not being to get online. All that’s needed is the existing card number and their national insurance number.
Cllr Joan Lowe, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Whilst there’s paper copies available it’s really much quicker and cheaper for it to be done online. If we can all just take a minute to think of someone we can help and offer that help it would I’m sure be very appreciated by them.”
Lost, stolen or damaged cards will be dealt with as usual at Contact Wrexham on Lord Street for a replacement fee of £5.
If we get a bad settlement, we’ll have to look at further cuts.Have your say.
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