THIS March marks the twelfth anniversary of Thurrock Council issuing concessionary bus passes to older residents.

The passes allow free travel on buses throughout the borough and beyond, during peak times for all residents of pensionable age.

Passes need to be renewed every five years and the council says the new process couldn't be simpler for residents. New passes will arrive seven days before the old pass expires with no need for anyone to contact the council unless they have changed address in the last five years.

The council has listened to residents' feedback and made the new application process as user-friendly as possible. For anyone applying for a new concessionary bus pass, or to replace one which has been lost, damaged or stolen, a new easy to use online application system has been recently introduced along with a simplified postal application process making it easier than ever for residents to apply.

Cllr Ben Maney, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "I know that a great many people rely on their bus passes and that they are a fantastic way for people to get out and about visiting relatives and friends and going out shopping or to see the sights.

"We often get a lot of calls from residents enquiring about renewals, but if your details have not changed there is no need to call – as long as you are living at the same address a new bus pass will be sent to you before the old one runs out. If residents do need to apply for a new pass, the process is now even easier for our residents."

To find out more about concessionary bus passes or if you have moved address in the last five years, click on the red additional information button below.