TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) is appealing for people who haven’t yet applied for their new bus pass yet to do soon.

The old green coloured bus passes stopped being recognised on the electronic scanners on buses after December 31 2019.

A grace period was agreed with the bus operators to allow cardholders to continue to use the old cards.

But the grace period is due to come to an end on February 29 2020, which means that from 1 March 2020 only the new-style cards will be accepted for travel.

TfW has already received nearly 600,000 bus pass applications over the past five months.

James Price, CEO of Transport for Wales, said: “Whilst it’s very positive to see that the majority of regular bus pass passengers have received their new cards, it’s essential that we remind everyone who has a yet to apply to do so as soon as possible to ensure they’re able to continue to enjoy the benefits of their bus pass after February 29.

“If anyone is aware of a neighbour, family member or friend who has a bus pass, we’re asking if they can please help by making sure they’ve applied for their replacement pass as soon as possible."

Mr Price said TfW is continuing to work "very closely" with local authorities and bus operators to ensure all passengers have changed their passes.

The Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales Ken Skates, said: “I’d like to thank the more than half a million people across Wales, including friends, family and carers, who’ve acted promptly and applied for new cards.

“With the grace period soon coming to an end, it’s really important that people apply for their new-style card as soon as possible."

TfW is encouraging cardholders to apply online if they can via the website www.tfw.wales/travelcards.

Online is the quickest way to apply as cardholders may not have to provide a new photo or documentation, as details are checked electronically against government databases.

Support with applying online is available from local councils, or cardholders can ask someone they trust to apply on their behalf. Paper applications are also available, but Transport for Wales do stress that this way does take longer to process.

If anyone has any concerns, Transport for Wales are asking people to get in touch straight away by calling the helpline on 0300 303 4240 or emailing the team at travelcards@tfw.wales.