Coronavirus: Melton’s vulnerable people can use free bus passes earlier in morning

Leicestershire County Council has announced it is extending the times that people eligible for concessionary travel can use their bus passes because supermarkets are opening earlier specifically for those considered vulnerable to contracting the virus.

Bus pass-holders can travel for free before 9.30am and continue to use services after this time as normal.

County Hall leader, Nick Rushton, said: “Our focus is keeping critical services running, particularly those supporting vulnerable people.

“The restriction on using concessionary travel passes during the morning has been lifted to allow bus pass holders to take advantage of the shops allocating specific times early in the day for older and vulnerable people.

“We want to make sure that our most vulnerable members of society are still able to get essential items.

“However, we would ask residents to follow government guidance and only travel where necessary.”

Previously, older and disabled people could travel on any local bus for free after 9.30am, Mondays to Fridays and all day at weekends.