Anyone over 60 years old living in the West Midlands county, or who meets standard disability criteria, qualifies for a free off-peak travel pass from this Sunday, 24 July.

People aged 60 to 64 and disabled people have been receiving their passes over the last week. Anyone who does not get his or her pass by this Saturday, 23 July needs to contact public transport promoter Centro from Monday by calling 0121 214 7878 where staff will be able to help with any problems.

Those aged over 65 are not affected by the new arrangements and should use their existing pass as before.

“We want to make sure all those entitled to free passes receive them and whilst this should happen, it is possible there may be a few instances where it does not, such as where people may have moved home,” said Cllr Gary Clarke, Chairman of the policy making PTA.

“Centro will be all to happy to assist, so everyone concerned can make the best use of their passes as quickly as possible,” he added.

From Monday persons aged 60 or over can apply for passes at main post offices, Centro Travel Centres or Birmingham neighbourhood offices. Disabled people wishing to apply for a free pass need to contact 0121 214 7878.

The PTA decided to bring in the new scheme, covering all modes of travel, after Chancellor Gordon Brown announced in his last Budget that free bus travel would be offered to the over 60s from April 2006.

People in the West Midlands already benefit from a concessions scheme run by Centro, and funded by the PTA and seven local councils.

Making the free travel passes available earlier is expected to cost the West Midlands about £3m, which the PTA hopes to recover from next year’s payments.

For public information about the concessions and how to apply (including a downloadable application form), please visit the main Centro website (www.centro.org.uk) or to go straight to the relevant page, click here