Travellers hit by bus pass delay

New bus passes give holders national travel concessions

Bus pass holders in Suffolk will have to wait to use their cards in other parts of the country after a contractor failed to meet a distribution deadline.

New government rules mean local travel passes can be used nationally from 1 April but cards expire on 31 March for 21,000 people in Suffolk.

Ipswich Borough Council said the passes are valid in Suffolk until 30 April.

Managers used a commercial firm to produce and distribute new cards but delays meant they missed the deadline.

John Jacobs, from the borough council, said: "We have received many calls from worried customers and we want to get the message across that they will be all right to continue travelling.

"It is very frustrating when big contracts like this are hit by delays outside our control but we are pleased to have found a solution, and hope the new cards will be received in early April."