Ring and Ride tightens eligibility rules

PASSENGERS will have to prove their eligibility for Ring and Ride following major changes to the service.

Operators of the region’s accessible transport scheme, Greater Manchester Accessible Transport Limited and Transport for Greater Manchester approved moves that could affect almost 20 per cent of its 20,000-plus user base.

The changes, from April 4, will require users to prove their eligibility in an assessment process.

Those who qualify include Greater Manchester Concessionary Plus or Disabled Pass holders and people aged over 70 who have mobility issues and hold an over-60s concessionary pass. Those who turn 70 between April and June will be allowed to continue to travel.

Ring and Ride fares will go up by £1 for over-60 concessionary pass holders and accompanying adult passengers, 80p for carers and 20p for disabled pass holders and accompanying children.

Councillor Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM Committee, said: “It’s essential we review services like Ring and Ride to ensure they continue to offer a high quality service to those who need it most in a time of financial pressure and rising demand. Without these changes, Ring and Ride would no longer be able to offer transport to those who have no other way to get about.”

All Ring and Ride users will be contacted about the changes, and offered help to apply for a concessionary pass or find alternative transport.

More info www.tfgm.com/ringandride.