Medway bus pass renewal: 6,000 people yet to contact council

AROUND 6,000 people in Medway have yet to contact the council to ensure they can continue to use buses for free from the start of April.

Medway Council has already contacted all bus pass holders in the area - nearly 40,000 in total – asking them to confirm their details ahead of issuing new passes.

The majority of those contacted have responded, but a shortfall is left meaning those that haven't replied need to do so soon so they can keep travelling for free on buses in Medway.

The announcement comes as changes are being made to the way bus passes for older and disabled people are issued in the area.

In the past, Medway Council has renewed passes every five years. This will change to a staggered system in future, starting with passes due to expire on 31 March. These will have variable expiry dates of between three and five years.

The aim of this change is to reduce the number that need to be replaced at any one time, so instead of all passes being updated once every five years that will change to three, four or five years in length.

It will also help the council to keep its record of pass holders up to date to reduce the risk of fraudulent use and the cost of producing cards for people who, for example, may have moved out of the area.

Anyone who is expecting a new pass but does not receive it by the beginning  of February should call Medway Council on 01634 333333.

Cllr Phil Filmer, Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said: "By writing to all existing pass holders asking them to confirm details  has meant that our records are as accurate as possible. 

"This means the correct  passes will be received in adequate time before any existing passes expire at the end of March.  

"So, existing passholders will not suffer any inconvenience as a result and will be able to continue to travel for free on bus services in Medway."