Get smart

BUS travel just got smarter.

Smartcards will stat arriving on doorsteps in Warrington from 1 April for all those who have applied.

The card entitles over 60s and people eligible because of a disability free off-peak bus travel across England i.e. travel between 9.30 a.m. and 11.30 p.m.

They will replace the old style bus passes, and can be used on buses in Warrington and local buses in all other towns and cities in England.

This is a national initiative introduced by the government and the Smartcards are the size of a credit card and have the name and picture of the holder on the front.

Everyone who applied for their smartcard before 30 January will start receiving them from 1 April.

We cannot give specific dates due to the large number of cards being issued and not everyone will receive them on the same day.

Anyone who applied after this date will start to receive their cards  towards the end of April.

You can continue to use your current bus pass across the borough until your Smartcard arrives.

Anyone who is planning to travel on buses in other areas during April can apply for a temporary pass, which must used together with your current bus pass. These are available from Contact Warrington (see below).

If there are any incorrect details on your smartcard when it arrives please contact 01925 443322 and we will amend the details and issue you with a new card as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you would like an application form  or more information visit Contact Warrington on Horsemarket Street or telephone 019245 443322, or visit www.warrington.gov.uk

From 1 April 2008, applicants should allow three weeks from the date of receipt of the completed application form by the council for the Smartcard to be issued.

Smart information

• There is no charge for upgrading your current bus pass to a smartcard
• The scheme does not apply to other public transport including trains and National Express
• Smartcards apply in England only

Ends

Issued by:  Joanna Driscoll, Principal Communications Officer
Date:   Tuesday 18 March, 2008
Release: Immediate