Residents are being urged to make full use of the public transport services to ensure their continued operation.
Following the public transport consultation which took place during the summer and the cabinet decision which enabled the retention of many bus routes in Powys, Powys County Council is urging residents to make full use of these services at every opportunity to ensure their continued operation.
Councillor John Brunt, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “The council is facing severe financial pressures due to decreasing budgets and further savings may have to be made over the coming few years. Whilst many bus routes managed to avoid being cut this financial year, unless residents regularly use all the services available to them, unfortunately these routes may be reconsidered when looking at further cuts in the near future. The council has a number of schemes available to enable Powys residents to save money and make full use of these services.
“All Powys residents who have reached their 60th birthday are eligible for an All Wales Concessionary Bus Pass allowing free travel on Welsh bus services. This bus pass is provided at no cost to the council as this is fully funded by the Welsh Government. The council urges Powys residents aged 60 or over, who do not have a free bus pass, to apply for one.
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“To get a free bus pass residents need to apply in person by taking the completed application form, along with supporting documents, to one of our Customer Service Points. A photograph will be taken at the Customer Service Point and the new card will be posted to you. Full details and application forms can be found on our website.
“If you have a disability, you can apply for either the All Wales Concessionary Bus Pass or a free Disabled Persons Railcard which entitles you to a third off your rail fare nationwide.
“In October the council launched a pilot scheme for 16-18 year olds in Powys who have a Mytravelpass card, allowing them to travel in and around Powys for a maximum fare of £1. The offer is only available on Powys contracted routes, full details of the scheme are available on our website.
“The council also has a number of discounted ticket options, such as 10 journeys for the price of 7, details can be found on our website.
Further information can be found on the website at www.powys.gov.uk, by calling 0845 602 7035 or on our Facebook page: Powys CC Passenger Transport Unit.