Guildford Park and Ride: Important changes to concessionary travel

Overview

Introduction of charges for older person’s pass holders on Guildford Park and Ride services from 2 November 2015

From Monday 2 November 2015, older person’s bus pass holders travelling on any of the Guildford Park and Ride services will be charged a concessionary £1 day return fare. The introduction of this charge follows a recent public consultation in which over 1,600 residents had their say on the proposals.

The £1 day return fare will be applicable all day on every day these services are running. Older person’s concessionary bus pass holders will still need to present their pass to the driver to receive the concessionary £1 day return fare.

Disabled person’s pass holders and companion pass holders will still be able to travel for free on Guildford Park and Ride services.

This change does not affect older or disabled person’s concessionary travel on local bus services. For information on local bus services in Surrey, please visit surreycc.gov.uk/buses

Why is this charge being introduced?

Surrey County Council is under enormous financial pressure, meaning it has had to review all the services it provides for its residents. The introduction of a charge on Guildford Park and Ride services for older person’s concessionary pass holders will generate additional fare revenue, allowing the council to support the continued operation of current service levels.

To ensure that resident’s views on the proposed changes were taken into consideration, a public consultation took place from 28 July to 1 September. Of the 1,600 residents who took part in the consultation, more than half supported the change as a means of supporting the current service level. The introduction of this charge has also been approved by Guildford Local Committee.