Over 60s in the West Midlands applying for a new free national travel pass are being urged not to worry if they can’t get through to Centro-WMPTA’s helpline.
Transport chiefs have reassured senior citizens that they still have plenty of time to apply for one of the new concessionary passes which will entitle them to free off peak bus travel anywhere in England from April 2008.
Regional public transport promoter Centro-WMPTA has set up a new helpline number operated by a dedicated call centre to answer enquiries after the previous number was inundated with calls.
People can now dial 0121 775 0001 between 8am – 10pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 5pm at weekends with any queries.
Chris Perry, Assistant Director Customer Services at Centro-WMPTA said: “We apologise to those people who have had trouble phoning with enquiries. The lines are extremely busy but people should not worry if they cannot get through at first.
“They should try later or even next week as there is still plenty of time to apply or to let us know if they haven’t yet received a form. They will still get their new pass in March ready for the start of the national scheme in April.”
Chris said people could also enter their details at www.networkwestmidlands.com/nationalpass where there is additionally a number of Frequently Asked Questions.
The new helpline has been launched after 484,000 application packs were sent out to existing West Midlands pass holders. That led to a flurry of calls to the previous helpline, with some people having difficulty getting through.
Centro-WMPTA has also given those people who have already received their application forms an extra two weeks to return them in the pre-paid envelope. The deadline is now October 15 instead of September 30.
Existing pass holders who have not yet received an application need to phone the new helpline number sometime over the next month. They should be ready with their details including the address from where they first applied for their West Midlands pass and their pass number.
They will receive their application pack towards the end of October and will need to return it by mid-November.
Under the new national scheme, the over 60s in the West Midlands will be able to travel free on local bus services anywhere in England.
Within the West Midlands they will also continue to enjoy one of the best concessionary travel schemes in the country – receiving free, off-peak travel on the region’s trains and trams as well as buses.
West Midland’s residents aged over 60 who do not hold an existing pass but want one of the new national ones should first apply for a regional pass. The can do this by going to their local post office, neighbourhood office or one of the Check & Send facilities at a number of local authority one stop shops and also at some community centres.
They will then receive their pass for use locally, and will get their national pass through the post in March without having to reapply. The same is relevant for people who turn 60 between now and March 31, 2008.
Blind and disabled people who hold an existing West Midlands concessionary pass are also eligible for the new national scheme, but do not need to fill out an application form as Centro-WMPTA already has their details. They will automatically receive their new pass in March.
