A NEW scheme — Devonwide — means half-price fare travel across the bus network for some West Devon residents.

The new fares system, introduced on April 1, is to be paid for by West Devon Borough Council in partnership with other Devon district authorities.

Devonwide has been brought in under the Transport Act 2000 which says that pensioners and people with disabilities, as defined in the Act, will be entitled to a free bus pass guaranteeing a minimum of half-fare travel.

The new legislation states that the scheme has to be in place by June 1— so some people in West Devon are benefiting two months earlier.

Substantial savings can be made on travel costs, and application forms for the new passes are available from all Post Offices, Western National ticket offices, West Devon Borough Council offices in Tavistock and Okehampton and Tourist Information Centres across the borough.

All pensioners and disabled people will be able to benefit from half price travel on buses across the county including Plymouth from either 8.45am or 9am depending on the bus company.

These passes are not available for students and does not give discount for rail travel. Devonwide replaces the scheme previously administered by Devon County Council — Countrywide.

If you currently hold a bus pass it will be valid until the expiry date shown on the pass. Refunds are available to Countrywide pass holders from April 1.

For enquiries about Devonwide call 01392 383688.