A COUNCIL is asking concessionary bus pass holders in Darlington, who are entitled to free off-peak travel to come forward with details of any changes to their personal details.

Darlington Borough Council is preparing for the renewal of around 14,000 passes which are set to expire at the end of March 2021.

There are approximately 12,000 passes held by people who qualify on age and a further 2,000 passes held by disabled people, some of which have companion entitlement.

Pass holders will need to update their personal details including, name, address and telephone number, if they have changed in the last five years, and not already told the Concessionary Travel Team.

Darlington Borough Council say this can be done in two ways, either by emailing the team at: concessionarytravel@darlington.gov.uk 

Or by phone: 01325 405222.

Due to Covid restrictions, pass holders are asked not to call into the Customer Contact centre at the Town Hall.

The introduction of a new online bus pass system in March, is expected to help with COVID restrictions, as this will limit unnecessary face to face contact. 

The online bus pass system will initially only be available for people who have a bus pass on the basis of their age.  These pass holders will be able to renew their pass online from 4 March.  

Disabled bus pass holders will have their bus pass automatically renewed, so will not need to do anything other than advise the council if their personal details have changed.

Councillor Andy Keir, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for Transport, said:
“Although many people are not using their bus pass at the moment, it is important that we start this process early, and gather any changes to personal contact details, to ensure we are ready for the renewal.

“Concessionary bus passes are a lifeline for many people, and we want to make sure that their passes are kept up to date. This is the first step in the process and we are urging people to let us know of any changes. If there are no changes then nothing needs to be done, just sit tight until news of the next stage in the renewal process is released in the next month or so.”