The start of 2008 will mark the end of an era for the West Midlands as people turning 60 will no longer be able to apply for their free travel pass at the Post Office.
The region’s public transport developer, Centro-WMPTA will be providing an improved application service called Check & Send which will take over from the 01 January next year.
The facility, which will be available at a wide range of more convenient outlets across the region, means people will no longer have to queue at a main Post Office to get their pass.
Nor will they have to worry about filling their form out incorrectly, as trained advisors will be on hand to check every application they receive.
All applications will be sent directly to Centro-WMPTA free of charge where they will be processed. New passes will then be sent directly to people’s homes within four weeks of them applying.
Chris Perry, Assistant Director of Customer Services at Centro-WMPTA explained: “Check & Send provides many benefits for over 60s applying for their new travel pass.
“Not only is it available at a wider range of venues, but the photos will be electronically scanned, so if people lose their pass they can simply call us and we will dispatch a new one instead of them having to go through the process of getting new photos and reapplying.”
Most Check & Send venues will also provide personalised public transport information with journey plans, timetables and advice on using the network.
People can go to a Check & Send centre a month before they turn 60 to ensure they have their pass in time for their birthday.
Importantly, people who become 60 in January 2008 will need to apply for their pass during December if they want to travel for free from their birthday.
Gary Clarke, Chairman of Centro-WMPTA said: “Free travel passes often provide a lifeline to senior citizens by making it easier for them to access healthcare and shops, and visit family and friends.
“By moving the application service to Check & Send centres, applying for one of these key passes has never been more straightforward, giving people a much wider choice of where to apply, with outlets in the heart of communities, and the help and advice they need.”
Check & Send has already been successfully trialled at a number of outlets across the West Midlands including at several council One Stop Shops and community centres.
Check & Send is only available to people living in the West Midlands about to turn 60 or for people over 60 that have never applied for a concessionary travel pass before.
People who already have a West Midlands travel pass but have not received a form to apply for the national concessionary pass should not visit a Check & Send outlet, but should call 0121 775 0001 and give their details. They will then receive an application pack for the new pass.
