Coronavirus: South Yorkshire pensioners to be given extension to their travel pass so they can use it before 9.30am

Dan Jarvis, Sheffield City Region mayor, along with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, took the decision with the aim of helping older residents access key services during the coronavirus pandemic, such as getting to supermarkets for special elderly opening hours.

The changes will come into force on Friday, March 20 and will allow anyone with a senior pass, as part of the national concessionary travel scheme, to ride any bus or tram in the region before 9.30am any day of the week - previously the pass only applied after this time.

Mr Jarvis said: "In these uncertain times we must all follow the advice from the NHS and Public Health England. At the moment people over 70 have been advised to stop all unnecessary travel.

“But we do know that they may still need to visit the supermarket to get vital supplies. This will help people do their shopping and access the grace periods introduced by supermarkets.

“This is an extraordinarily difficult time for all our communities, businesses and public services and we are doing everything we can to support them. It is essential that people pull together and look out for each other. This means shopping sensibly and supporting others, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.”

Those over the age of 70 have been advised to take extra precautions such as avoid large gatherings.