Public transport promoter Centro and Dudley Council have joined forces to make it easier for people in the borough to apply for travel passes.

People over 60 who qualify for free off-peak travel on all buses, trains and trams, can now apply for their pass at the council’s Dudley Council Plus customer service centre in Castle St, Dudley.  The passes could previously be obtained only through main post offices.

Under the partnership with Centro, the Dudley Council Plus centre will also display public transport information and trained advisors will be able to help people find their way around the bus, train and Metro network.  Anyone visiting the centre can even plan their journey on public transport using Dudley Council Plus’ free internet points.

The ‘check and send’ service for concessionary passes is available to visitors to the Castle St centre only, while journey planning information is also available in the centre or by ringing 01384 812345.  Both services are open from 8am – 7.30pm on weekdays and from 9am to 12 noon on Saturdays. (view website)

These are the latest in the growing list of services available from Dudley Council Plus – giving customers one simple point of contact for council information and services.

Cllr Gary Clarke chairman of Centro’s policy-setting body, the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, said: “One of the reasons we introduced the ‘check and send’ system for concessionary passes was to extend the number of locations where people could apply for their pass – so I’m delighted Dudley Council has taken this step to provide an enhanced service for its residents.”

“The partnership arrangements at Dudley Council Plus are a great example of two public bodies working together to give local people extra service and information to help boost public transport use.”

Cllr David Caunt, council leader, said: “We are delighted to have Centro aboard for this West Midlands first. It shows the great opportunities that Dudley Council Plus offers for new ways of working, both for the council and with partners like Centro.”

“Through Dudley Council Plus, we are making it easy for people to get services and information on both council and partner services and as we open more Dudley Council Plus centres across the borough this will become even easier for people to get the information or service they want, in one place.”