Introduction of earlier travel times for concessionary passes in Cumbria
From Friday 27 March, older and disabled people can use concessionary passes before 9.30am on weekdays for free travel in Cumbria.
Cumbria County Council, which administers and funds the Concessionary Travel Scheme in the county, is changing the current rules on concessionary passes in the county to help avoid older and vulnerable people catching coronavirus. The change will initially apply until the end of August 2020.
The change will enable state age pensioners and disabled people to travel to shops that have introduced special, early opening times, reducing their risk of catching the virus from larger groups.
People travelling on public transport will be asked to follow Government guidance on social distancing to protect themselves from the coronavirus.
The current rules, which have been waived, prevent concessionary passes being used before 9.30am on week days, so that older people don't travel during the rush hour.
How to apply for a NoWCard during Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
All local libraries are closed until further notice
So to apply for a NoWcard during the library closure period you can:
- Download a Older Person's application form (PDF 139kb)
- Download a Disabled Person's application form (PDF 139kb)
- Request a paper application form to be sent to you by emailing: integrated.transport@cumbria.gov.uk
- Request a paper application form by writing to:
ENCTS
Transport Services Team
Cumbria County Council
Parkhouse Building
Kingmoor Business Park
Carlisle
CA6 4SJ
Completed forms should be returned to the above address (this building is not currently open to the public) with evidence listed on the form and must include a recent passport style photograph.
or
If you are able to, return the form, the evidence and a JPG photograph by email please send to: integrated.transport@cumbria.gov.uk
Please note that currently you can request and submit an Older Person's application form up to 2 months before your eligibility date to make sure your pass is received on time.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off peak travel on scheduled bus services for older people and people with disabilities.
- ENCTS bus passes allow free travel on local buses during off-peak times throughout Cumbria and anywhere in England
- off-peak hours are 9.30am to 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on bank holidays
- passengers are issued with a ticket which should show the boarding point and destination requested.
If you are issued with a bus ticket in Cumbria which does not show your journey please keep your ticket and telephone 01228 226720 with details.
(If you have a NoWcard and are interested in volunteering as a Mystery Shopper, who check their tickets each time they travel, please telephone 01228 226720)