Have free bus pass, want to travel.

System

Since starting this thread, over 12,000 people have read it and over 200 contributions have been made. Slowly but surely we are now gathering really important pieces of information such as the Nat/Exp stuff, plus designated sites that are devoted to nothing other than bus travel are emerging. Let us all keep the momentum going.

harryhound

I don't know how to do it, but it would be great to create a map showing "Longer bus pass journeys of more than 50 miles" (say).

I can think of some more maps but that is the best for starters.

System

So, by that maybe if an AA or RAC map of England could be produced, (not necessarily theirs) in B&W, then have the "registered" sections highlighted.

As an alternative, whilst we accept the routes withing towns are free, where a route such as the X4 starts at Milton Keynes and travels to Peterborough, this also could be highlighted on another map simply because it covers a great distance.ie 70 odd miles.

buspassheaven_Company_Representative

See also Lesd's post earlier which had a list of the longest routes...

I've tried to pull together a list of the longest bus routes in England (by time of travel).

Some brilliant ideas coming in here !!

System

I'd missed that, shame on me. This is exactly what I mean, we should take "on board" (pardon the pun) eveything that is coming in.

System

Filled with excitement about the progress that's being made, I've taken the bull by the horns and sent a piece to our local paper. If I've done wrong, then so be it, if you think it's something you too would consider, then feel free to copy my piece and send it wherever.

"Ref Readers Letters

I have what I believe to be a really great informative piece which I'm sure you would not wish to pass by. It could be used in both your newspapers. In fact as I speak, it may be going nationally, once more info has been added. Please try not to reduce in volume as one thing leads to another. Thanks *****
Free Bus Pass information.

No doubt many of those who have a free bus pass, just do the route from A to B and very little more, but in the four months since it’s introduction, much research has been done and a great deal of information has been discovered. Some people are currently in the process of producing websites which give details of where and which companies allow travel with the card. One such website is https://www.buspassheaven.co.uk

Apart from that, many people wonder if National Express are part of the scheme. Surprisingly yes they are, but with limited access. It would appear that some sections of their routes are known as “registered” and where this occurs, free travel is allowed. This link gives 14 pages of Nat.Exp. routes which currently are free http://www.leytr.co.uk/Registered%20Sections.pdf

This link will give information regarding traveling between airport hotels free
http://www.londontoolkit.com/lhr/hotel_hoppa_bus.htm

But if you really would like to know where the longest routes available are free, then try http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/losamigosdemazarron/longest_bus_routes_in_england.htm

Or the longest routes via National Express which are currently free, then try http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/losamigosdemazarron/long_registered_NE_sections_in_england.htm

So, is this OK?

LesD

islandman wrote: »

Or the longest routes via National Express which are currently free, then try http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/losamigosdemazarron/long_registered_NE_sections_in_england.htm

You beat me to it Islandman. I haven't checked that page yet! So if anyone has problems with it, let me know.

I know it's difficult to get all the meaning in letters to the press, but the Heathrow transport web page you refer to (that I mentioned yesterday) talks about ALTERNATIVE free routes to the Hoppa. I merely mentioned it to show what the Hoppa routes are. You may care to reword your letter on this point.

Otherwise, I think it's a good idea to get the local press interested.

brimo wrote: »

We, at www.buspassheaven.co.uk contacted National Express today re. the Registered Sections list and they have confirmed that the list is up-to-date and complete.

Great news for bus pass users.

I'm still very doubtful that these sections will be known by the NE drivers. There is no sign of any reference to this on the NE website, nor, as far as I can see, on the DfT website.

Also, as dzug pointed out earlier, concessionary travel is only permitted when there are empty seats.

At the present time, I think we would be wrong to publicise this too much in case someone uses the information, say as part of a journey to catch a plane or ferry, and then misses their connection because they cannot get on the NE coach.

buspassheaven_Company_Representative

Do you work for a bus company LesD?

It is a mass of info to try to put together :beer:

System

Well "yes" Les, you are right to a degree, but I suppose we now ought to be thinking of adding a disclaimer should anyone actually RELY on a service.

I am sure that within the "profile" section of this site, somewhere where we choose to either have our signature, something could be added to that effect.

donnajunkie

islandman wrote: »

So, by that maybe if an AA or RAC map of England could be produced, (not necessarily theirs) in B&W, then have the "registered" sections highlighted.

As an alternative, whilst we accept the routes withing towns are free, where a route such as the X4 starts at Milton Keynes and travels to Peterborough, this also could be highlighted on another map simply because it covers a great distance.ie 70 odd miles.

this map shows cumbria and the surrounding areas bus routes. it is pretty good.

http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/Internet/544/931/1099/3619/39525124851.jpg