HAMPSHIRE County Council has temporarily lifted the time restriction on using Older Person’s Bus Passes.

Pensioners can now use the free bus passes at any time of the day. Earlier, they could use it only after 9.30am.

The temporary change in rule has come into effect from today (Monday). A council statement said this change to the scheme is intended to continue until schools reopen to all students.

The decision was taken in an effort to support pensioners during the coronavirus outbreak.

Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, said: “We want to do all we can to help Hampshire residents take up Covid vaccinations when they’re offered them.

“We understand these are difficult times for people and we are doing everything we can to help. I hope that extending the times people can use their free bus passes will help older people travel to early morning vaccination appointments, and to travel at quieter times for essential journeys such as those for food shopping.

“I would urge everyone to continue to travel as safely as possible when using public transport for essential journeys.”

Residents who have a disabled person’s bus pass can already use these at any time of day, any day of the week.

People are also advised to continue the government protocols during the lockdown.

National lockdown restrictions include:

  • Residents to stay at home, apart from limited exemptions set out in law such as shopping for basic necessities
  • Non-essential retail, indoor gyms and leisure facilities, and personal care services to close
  • People to work from home if they can but they may travel to work if this is not possible, for example in the construction and manufacturing sectors
  • Those who are ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ are advised to stay at home at all times, unless for exercise or medical appointments, and not to attend work, even if they are unable to work from home.