Good news on Concessionary Fares

Welcome news from local County Councillors Dave Wilcox and Roger Wilkinson with the details that half fare train travel has been retained for holders of the Gold Card in Derbyshire.

The half fare train travel option which is well used by Gold Card holders within the Glossopdale area but which was not initially included in the new national free travel scheme led to huge protest by locals.

However following the concerns raised by local residents Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member Brian Lucas advised that “We know how important it is for local people to get out and about on public transport. That's why we've agreed to put cash aside to offer half-price train travel to everyone in Derbyshire who is entitled to the new national bus travel pass.

"A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes and we're delighted we've been able to negotiate a deal with the train operators to benefit local people."

There will however be some locals who currently receive free train travel who will from the start of the new passes only receive half fare however Cllr Lucas advises that "We realise there are some people who will no longer get full fare.

"But this is great news for the majority of Gold Card holders and we're pleased we've been able to come up with the funding to make sure all cardholders are entitled to reduced local travel costs."

This means that from Tuesday 1st April, locals that are eligible from the new Gold Card will be able to :

* Get free bus travel on all local buses across England after 9.30am until 11pm on weekdays and at all times on weekends and bank holidays
* Use it to get all the usual benefits of being able to claim discounts at 1,400 local shops and services.
* Use their Derbyshire Gold Card as a library card in Derbyshire libraries

Everyone who is eligible for a new Derbyshire Gold Card should be sent one automatically however if you have not received any information or you have any queries please contact Customer Services at High Peak Borough Council on 0845 129 7777 or 01457 851600 or by calling into the Town Hall at Glossop.

Please note however that at current (and I’m not sure if there will be any further changes) the 11.00pm weekday limit is still in place and as such if you travel after 11.00pm (ie on the 11.25pm bus from Glossop to Gamesley or points further on) you will have to pay normal fare.