Peak time restrictions on West Midlands concessionary tram and bus passes will be reinstated later this month with more people returning to work and school as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

From Monday, April 19, travel passes issued under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) can only be used for journeys taken after 9.30am on weekdays.

Under a special offer launched on February 1, pass holders have been allowed to travel free during the morning rush hour for journeys to early vaccine appointments. Now with non-essential shops and business beginning to reopen, pupils returning to school and students to university lectures after Easter, the public transport networks are likely to be busier during the mornings.

At the same time, due to social distancing measures in place, buses and trams are still operating at a very much reduced capacity. Pete Bond, director of integrated transport services for Transport for West Midlands, said:

“This was a special offer made during this winter lockdown to support older and disabled people by making it a little easier for them to get to early morning vaccine appointments.

“However these have tailed off significantly in recent weeks and we are expecting more people to return to buses and trams as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

“So, working with operators, we are now encouraging people to travel outside the peak morning rush if they possibly can, to ensure the maximum capacity is available for those who need it to get to work or school.”