Check on bus pass fraud

CHECKS are being carried out on free, off-peak bus passes in Warrington to make sure they are not being used fraudulently.
The checks are to make sure the smartcard passes are genuine – and that they are being used only by the person they were issued to.
More than 170,000 of the passes have been issued across Warrington, Halton and Cheshire since they were introduced last April.
They are for use by people aged 60 or more or people with certain disabled.
The passes are actually “smartcards” containing a microchip and aerial which allows them to “talk” to the latest bus ticket machines.
Integrated Transport Service Cheshire staff operate the scheme on behalf of Warrington, Halton, Chester East and Cheshire West and Chester councils.
They are checking passes on buses with hand held readers to ensure the concessionary smartcard passes are genuine and being used only by the person they were issued to. The device checks cards issued by every local council in England.
Steve Williams, of the Integrated Transport Service said: “The new scheme has been a great success in helping people get out and about and in reducing car traffic. However, it is important to protect the interests of fare paying passengers and taxpayers by ensuring that passes are not being used fraudulently.
“In addition, the smartcard passes are relatively new and by checking them now we can ensure that they will work properly when used on a bus fitted with the latest electronic ticket machines.”
More than 33,000 people in Warrington are entitled to use the passes.