Concessionary bus passes in Northamptonshire extended round the clock

The extension to bus pass hours is part of a large number of changes being bought in by local councils in response to the coronavirus emergency.

The vulnerable and elderly in Northamptonshire who have concessionary bus passes will now be able to use them 24 hours a day to help them access essential services and shop during the coronavirus lock down.

Northamptonshire county council has announced the measure this afternoon along with the closure of recycling centres. Its country parks have also closed.A spokesman said: “To better enable older and vulnerable residents to access essential services including early morning food shopping, the county council has agreed to extend the current bus concessionary travel scheme so that bus passes are valid 24 hours a day. This has been agreed with the operators of most bus services across Northamptonshire including Stagecoach, Britannia and Centrebus.”

The measures come during a fast changing social landscape due to the coronavirus emergency.

Yesterday the PM ordered people to stay indoors except for essential shopping with people only allowed out for one exercise period a day.

The council will also temporarily suspend its freedom of information service from tomorrow (March 25) to May 1.

Leader of the council Cllr Matt Golby said: “We are continuing to look at everything we do to find ways that we can support our residents and also ensure that we are meeting the ongoing challenges presented by Covid-19.”

The council’s website is being regularly updated with the latest information including health advice and guidance, changes to council services and events, support available for businesses and educational settings plus details about how to volunteer to help.

People can visit www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/coronavirus for information.

For a full list of operators who have agreed to extend the hours of the bus pass please visit the county council website www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.