PENSIONERS in the Royston area can now travel across the country for free thanks to a new bus pass launched this week. The scheme allows those with a new national pass to travel free on local bus services throughout England after 9.30am Monday-Friday and

PENSIONERS in the Royston area can now travel across the country for free thanks to a new bus pass launched this week.

The scheme allows those with a new national pass to travel free on local bus services throughout England after 9.30am Monday-Friday and all weekend.

South Cambridgeshire District Council has received around 16,000 applications for the new bus pass, of which 14,000 were received in time to meet the deadline for delivery on Tuesday.

A spokeswoman for South Cambridgeshire District Council said: "Unfortunately there were around 2,000 applications that we received late, although we are working to ensure those residents receive their passes as soon as possible.

"We've made some allowances for people who applied for their bus passes later, to ensure that everyone can continue to use their bus passes."

And a spokesman for North Herts District Council said: "All passes have been dispatched, and everyone should have them by now."

The district council has promised that those applying will receive their passes within 10 days, and confirmed that this applies to those applying for the first time, and those replacing lost passes.

The new bus passes are available to people over the age of 60, and those who have a disability.

Thousands of people have already applied for the new pass, but councils are urging everyone who is eligible to apply.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Mac McGuire, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: "If you haven't applied for your new pass yet, I would urge you to get in touch with the district council.

"They will help you complete the forms and ensure you won't miss out on a great opportunity to travel round the whole of England for free."

Those still waiting for their new bus passes will be entitled to use their existing passes for free travel within their counties until September 30, after which it will be necessary to hold the new-style pass.

The Government is now in negotiations with long-distance bus operators to see how they may be included in the concessionary scheme.