New national concessionary passes, that will give over 60s and eligible disabled people free off peak travel on all local buses in England from 1 April, are to start landing on West Midlands doormats from the start of next week.

The first 165,000 passes are setting out on their first journey on Friday, as Centro's chairman, Cllr Gary Clarke, finally reveals what the West Midlands version of the new national pass will look like.

Over 400,000 over 60s in the region have applied for the national concession – more than anywhere else in the country. Disabled people that already benefit from free local travel are being sent their new pass automatically.

The passes are being produced in a smartcard style with a new design that will be recognised by bus drivers all over England . They will be valid after 9:30am Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and on bank holidays from April.

Due to the high volume of passes being produced, the remaining 235,000 passes will be sent out in batches over the next five weeks, so people are being urged not to worry if they do not receive their pass straight away.

Cllr Gary Clarke said: “This is an exciting time for concessionary pass holders, because they will be able to travel on buses outside the county for free for the first time ever, whether that's to visit a neighbouring area or while on holiday anywhere in England .

“We're on schedule to get all of the passes out to people's homes before the new scheme starts in April. People should not worry if they don't get their new pass at the start of March as we are sending them out in stages over the next few weeks.”

“The existing passes are already a lifeline for many older and disabled people in the region and the new, nationwide card will bring even greater freedom and independence to travel and visit new places or see more of family and friends. I will certainly be making good use of my new pass when it becomes valid.”

The Centro logo on the new passes means that pass holders living in the West Midlands can continue to use their new passes on the region's trains and trams in one of the best deals in the country.