The administration of the bus pass system for people eligible for concessionary fares is to change at the beginning of next month.
In North Yorkshire, the system is currently operated by district and borough councils. But from April 1, North Yorkshire County Council will take over responsibility for the scheme.
People with existing valid bus passes – which provide free travel for older people at most times of the day – will not be affected by the changeover unless they need to renew their passes.
People applying for the first time for a pass will now be able to do so at a wider choice of venues, including in many cases their local libraries.
As well as assuming responsibility for operating the scheme, the county council has decided to standardise the system across North Yorkshire. From April 1, the passes will be valid for bus journeys between the hours of 0900 and 0600 on weekdays, and at any time at weekends and bank holidays. This change will only affect bus pass holders in Craven, who until now have been able to travel at any time of the day, including the peak period between 0600 and 0900.
People can apply for passes at the following locations:
Craven: Skipton Town Hall and Settle Town Hall
Hambleton: Civic Centre, Northallerton; Stokesley Area Office, Town Close; County Hall, Northallerton
Harrogate: Concessionary Fares Shop, Victoria multi-storey car park, East Parade, Harrogate; Ripon Library; Knaresborough Library
Richmondshire: Richmond Community Office, Zetland Square, Richmond; Catterick Library
Ryedale: Ryedale House, Malton; Pickering Library
Scarborough: Customer First Centre, St Nicholas Street; Scarborough; Eastfield Community Resource Centre; Northern Area Office, Skinner Street, Whitby; Southern Area Office, John Street, Filey
Selby: Access Selby Office, 8-10 Market Cross, Selby; Sherburn-in-Elmet Library; Tadcaster Library
Can I get a concessionary bus pass in the multi storey car park Victoria Centre in Harrogate rather than on line.