Concessionary travel times for older and disabled people to travel free on Hampshire’s buses will revert to normal next week.

At the beginning of April, Hampshire County Council announced that the amount of time bus passes would valid had been reduced to only before 9.30am in an effort to cut down on non-essential travel.

But come June 15, those measures will be relaxed.

Councillor Rob Humby, deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and environment at the county council said: “As the country eases out of travel restrictions set in March to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, we can expect busy travel times to start to get back to more traditional peak periods.

"With capacity on public transport limited due to social distancing requirements, it seems the right time to revert to the usual operating hours for bus passes, helping to ensure space on buses earlier in the mornings for those going to work.”

“I’d like to thank Hampshire’s bus operators for making the changes needed so quickly in March which allowed older people to travel for free when they could access supermarkets at quieter times, keeping themselves as safe as possible from the spread of Covid-19.”

Older Persons Concessionary Bus Passes are available for people who have reached State Pension age.

The older person’s bus pass entitles people to free travel on bus services throughout England from 9:30am to 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays.