WEST Devon residents waiting for the arrival of their new National Bus Pass, which will give them free off-peak travel on all local bus services throughout England, were this week assured they would eventually arrive. West Devon Borough Council's customer services manager Darren Cole said if applicants have not received their pass by the end of March they should call for further information. He said: 'We strongly encouraged Devonwide pass- holders to send in their applications for new national passes as soon as they were invited to do so. But even if they replied promptly, they are having to wait almost until the last minute to receive their pass, as we are complying with government rules for the production of the passes and the timing of the distribution. 'Nevertheless, once up and running, the new pass will provide a new freedom for eligible people to enjoy all of England's local bus services entirely free of charge.' Any Devonwide pass holder who has not received their new pass by the end of March should call Devonwide on 01392 383688 or the borough's customer services on 01822 813600. Those eligible who do not currently have a Devonwide pass but who would like to apply for a new national pass should also either call the numbers above or call into the council's offices at Kilworthy Park, Tavistock or St James Street, Okehampton for an application form. Anyone visiting the offices for a Devonwide pass, should take proof of identity and proof of residence, eg a passport and utility bill, and two passport style photos. From April 2008 free bus travel will be available on all registered local bus services within England for eligible residents aged over 60 or those with disabilities. The scheme will provide free off-peak bus travel throughout England between 9.30am and 11 pm on weekdays and anytime on weekends.
