Shake-up to free travel system

People turning 60 next year will no longer be able to apply for their free travel pass at Black Country post offices as part of a major shake-up announced by transport bosses.

They will also have to wait for up to four weeks after applying for their pass instead of being able to take it home on the day they become a pensioner as part of the changes. The region's public transport authority Centro has introduced a new application service called Check and Send which will take over from the current system from January 1.

It says the new system will be better because more outlets in more places will provide the service, meaning an end to queues at main post office branches to apply for a bus pass.

Trained advisors will also be on hand to check every application they receive and new passes will be sent directly to people's homes within four weeks of them applying.Chris Perry, assistant director of customer services at Centro said: "Check and 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 and 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 and Send centre a month before they turn 60 to ensure they have their pass in time for their birthday.

Anyone who turns 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, 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 and Send centres, applying for one of these key passes has never been more straightforward." Check and Send has already been trialled at a number of outlets across the West Midlands including at several council one stop shops and community centres.

By Daniel Wainwright