Bus pass holders urged to check pass validity before April

First Manchester, is urging Concessionary Pass holders to check that their passes are valid

Concessionary Pass holders are being urged to check that their passes are valid and working before 1 April 2018 to ensure they can continue to travel on their local bus services for free.

Travel with a Concessionary Pass on local buses is paid for by TfGM (Transport for Greater Manchester), but concessionary passes are only valid for free travel if they are authorised on the reader at the front of the bus, every time a journey is made.

Bus drivers have been allowing Concessionary Pass holders with passes that haven’t registered on the reader to board and travel, but from 1 April they will no longer be able to do this.

Speaking about the reminder to check passes, Phil Medlicott, Managing Director at First Manchester, said: “From 1 April 2018, TfGM will only pay us for travel by a Concessionary Pass holder if they record their journey via the smart card reader.

"We carry thousands of concessionary pass holders every week and payment for them is an important part of the revenue that pays to keep services running.

"Recording all concessionary passes also provides us with all of their travel information so we can ensure this money goes towards the particular services that they use, therefore protecting them for the future.”

Concessionary pass holders who have an invalid pass or have had problems with it registering should visit any TfGM travel shop, where they can test their card, visit tfgm.com or call 0161 244 1000 for help.