Early-morning restrictions on bus passes relaxed in North Yorkshire to allow older people to go shopping

North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council have temporarily enhanced their National Concessionary Travel Scheme to enable pass holders to use services before 9am. Usually, passes cannot be used between 6am and 9am.

Some stores are now opening early specifically to allow older people to buy essential supplies. Older people are also among those most at risk from Covid-19, so fewer people in shops reduces the risk.

North Yorkshire county councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said: “We fully support the Government’s recommendation that people avoid all but essential travel. The purpose of the decision is to enable older residents, those who are disabled and their carers, to use their passes for essential journeys and to take advantage of measures like exclusive early-morning shopping opportunities being put in place to support them.

“We expect a positive response from bus operators. We’re also aware that they, like many businesses, are facing difficult times, so this may go some way towards supporting them.”

Any operator that wishes to do so can now accept English National Concessionary Travel Scheme passes before 9am. The temporary change applies to all journeys starting within the council boundaries of North Yorkshire or City of York.

Contact your bus operator to find out whether they are offering early travel to pass holders. Read more information on changes to council services in North Yorkshire, including bus passes.