Free bus travel for the over 60s in England [Archive]

MSE Martin

24-03-2008, 6:08 PM

What is this all about?

From Tue 1 April 2008 everyone aged over 60, or eligible as disabled, can get free off-peak bus travel on local buses anywhere in England. Off-peak is travel between 9.30am and 11pm weekdays and anytime during the weekend.

What's changed?

Before this scheme, off peak local travel was possible but only in the area you live. You can now get free buses all over England.

How to get a pass

If your local authority hasn’t already sent you forms, you can get a pass from your local pass provider (http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/concessionary/concessionmarketingcoms/nationalbuspasstoolkit/listoftcas). If you already have a pass this should automatically be updated to allow national travel.

Special Note for London Freedom Passholders

If you live in London and already have a Freedom Pass you need to get a sticker from your local post office to be able to use your card outside of London. This will also renew your Freedom Pass for free travel on buses, Tubes, trains, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway and trams until 2010.

If you don't already have a Freedom Pass (http://www.freedompass.org/) you can apply for one at your local post office, unless you live in Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Sutton or Wandsworth where you will need to contact your local council.

You usually need to fill in an application form and provide a passport-style photo plus proof of your age and address.

What if I live in Scotland or Wales?

Over 60s in Scotland and Wales already get free national bus travel at any time of the day.

In Wales you can get more information from your local council (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/Localcouncils/index.htm), in Scotland you can find out more from Scotland Travel (http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/concessionarytravel). You usually need to fill in an application form and provide a passport-style photo plus proof of your age and address.

Traveling by train and coach

Over 60s can also save money when travelling by train or coach.

For cheap train fares the £24 Senior Railcard (http://www.senior-railcard.co.uk/) gives one third off most rail fares in Britain and the National Express coach network in England and Wales is automatically half price for the over 60s (telephone 08705 808 080 for more info). In Scotland, Citylink coaches has a range of discounted fares (telephone 08705 505 050 to find out more).

box

Stuart_W

01-04-2008, 10:43 AM

April 1st 2008 brings England-wide concessionary bus travel.

The statutory regulations state that with the new pass (apply via local council) the minimum entitlement will be:

FREE off-peak bus travel from 0930 hrs to 2300 hrs weekdays, any time weekends.

Local authorities are able to extend this as they wish (but must locally fund this). I understand some local authorities will be including local train and tram travel, some authorities starting earlier than 0930 on a weekday. Some of these "extras" may only be available to locally-issued passes, some may be available to all - it is up to local councils to decide.

Does anyone know of a list of national acceptance info for the new pass?

I can confirm that Cambridgeshire offers the minimum statutory entitlement and nothing else.

Anywhere else......?

chalky_bertie

01-04-2008, 11:05 AM

Still waiting for my ny brand new swanky pass for disabled people, but no sign. (epilepsy is classed as a disability for bus travel). West Yorkshire / Metro offers free bus travel after 9.30am and train fares for 35p anywhere in West Yorkshire. I think the buses also cover cross-boundary services into South and North Yorkshire aswell as Lancashire and Greater Manchester I think.

Stuart_W

01-04-2008, 11:19 AM

Suffolk offer free county-wide bus travel for all buses (before 9:30am etc) but only for Suffolk residents.

Cumbria offer each district a different distinction:
Allerdale, Eden, Copeland, Barrow: Free county-wide travel before 9:30am and after 11pm.
Carlisle: Free weekdays after 11pm within Carlisle district.
South Lakeland: Free weekdays after 11pm within South Lakeland district.

South Yorkshire offer free travel from 9am for ALL concessionary pass holders, includes all buses trams and trains in the South Yorkshire PTE area. They have not limited their extension to local passes only.

atrekkie22

01-04-2008, 11:56 PM

naf123

02-04-2008, 12:18 AM

it has been very difficult to find the local bus services

for example i wanted to travel london to bournemouth entirely on local buses, but it seems very hard to find advice how to do all this for completely free!!

jhp

02-04-2008, 1:54 AM

Some Bus Route ideas here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7324398.stm
if your pass ever turns up.

JohnFlax

02-04-2008, 7:11 AM

The service provided by Traveline is excellent. You can access it online at:

www.traveline.org.uk (http://www.traveline.org.uk)

Follow the onscreen instructions by first selecting the area in which you live: in the case of Bournemouth, this is in SW England. Then click on the 'Journey Planner' button near the top of the page

Don't forget to indicate with the radio buttons that you only wish to use 'bus' mode, otherwise you will also be given coach and train times in addition to bus times.

In the 'When' box click on 'Leave after...' and put the relevant time for YOUR pass in the 'Time' box. In some areas this is 09:00 although the majority are 09:30. Remember that this starting time does not apply at weekends so you may start earlier.

Select the correct travel date in the 'Date' box. This is important as many timetable change from winter to summer within the next few weeks. Different times apply at weekends.

Don't forget to plan the return journey.

Have a good journey!

hedgewitch

02-04-2008, 7:13 AM

garwatts

02-04-2008, 7:21 AM

So are we allowed free travel in Wales and Scotland as well?

aandpsclare

02-04-2008, 7:36 AM

Short Change for Brits living in England
Recent improvements to the National Travel Pass has resulted in providing an inferior pass for those Brits living in England. Those living in Scotland and Wales can travel on both local buses and long distance coaches, similarly for Brits those living in Northern Ireland who can also travel free in Southern Ireland.
I have writen to my MP about this annomally and I would urge everyone to do the same.

hutch610

02-04-2008, 8:21 AM

Shall we all move to either Wales or Scotland they sem to get a lot more things free than us in England, presecriptions for one.

Tindella

02-04-2008, 9:19 AM

So are we allowed free travel in Wales and Scotland as well?

Sorry, no - only in the country you live in! And if that's Northern Ireland, you'll have to wait until September.

I live in Spain half the year and in a mobile home in England for the other half - does anyone know if I can get a bus pass in the area where my mobile home is?

dzug

02-04-2008, 9:25 AM

Sorry, no - only in the country you live in! And if that's Northern Ireland, you'll have to wait until September.

I live in Spain half the year and in a mobile home in England for the other half - does anyone know if I can get a bus pass in the area where my mobile home is?

You need to provide proof of age and identity (passport is fine) and proof of address. If you can do that (eg utility bill) for your mobile home then yes

dzug

02-04-2008, 9:33 AM

Some Bus Route ideas here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7324398.stm
if your pass ever turns up.

Interesting link - I think it does take you on unnecessarily circuitous routes sometimes though. And they have included a train journey in it...... (Peterboro - Notty)

But shows it can be done

harryhound

02-04-2008, 10:41 AM

Where can I find a list of "coach" services that do or DO NOT offer ANYTHING to an ENGLAND local authority issued card?

About two months ago I received a missive from my local authority saying "just return this pre filled form" (ie to prove you are still alive) and the new card will be issued automatically.

Wow, I thought. I can go and look after an elderly relative any time (after 09:30) now without monopolising the family car.

Silly me!

I'm still waiting for both the card and a reply to my Email to their "hot desk", asking where it is.

I know I'm not the only one left hanging in limbo with NO valid card. Are you going to risk a journey, where even if you blag your way onto the outgoing bus you face the prospect of "Sorry mate - that out of date" on the last bus home?

Here we go its going to become a nightmare of mal-administration. (And even the third of my referals to the Local Authority Ombudsman? - I do hate the compensation culture, why is it that people can't just do a simple job and get it right first time?).

Harry.

Got an inflation busting increase in the cost of a Senior Rail card this year too.

piotremm

02-04-2008, 10:46 AM

I note that Scotland's over 60's enjoy scheduled long distance bus services, something that England's over 60's on April 1, despite the much vaunted free services, will not have. I complained years ago to my MP (Labour) about the disparity but didn't get anywhere. This is the downside of subsidiarity.
Level playing fields? Huh!

sluggy1967

02-04-2008, 10:56 AM

It would have been nice if Martin had mentioned disabled people at the beginning. My husband recently received his pass as he is registered disabled, but sadly many disabled people may not be aware of this pass applying to them. Annoyingly, it is often only over 60s who are mentioned, as has happened this time. Disabled people are some of the poorest and disadvantaged groups in society. People over 60 aren't always!

alared

02-04-2008, 11:06 AM

As regards the senior railcard,do you need a card each or can you buy two or more tickets on just the one card.

scaryfairy

02-04-2008, 11:26 AM

Anyone over 60 can claim this new bus pass. Also, anyone who is registered disabled and in receipt of Disability Living Allowance with the mobility factor at the higher rate can also claim this. You cannot use this pass on National Express, they have their own over 60 concession. It can only be used on the local bus services in any area of England. If you don't want the bus pass some councils will issue you with a voucher to claim the Senior Railcard or if you are over a certain age (e.g. 75) you might be eligible for tokens - it all depends on your local council. If you have never claimed any concession before from your council you will need proof that you live in their area (council tax bill is ideal for this or a recent utility bill) AND proof of age, passport, driving licence or birth cert.

mystified

02-04-2008, 11:26 AM

Shall we all move to either Wales or Scotland they sem to get a lot more things free than us in England, presecriptions for one.

Prescriptions are not (generally) free in Scotland. They might be (by 2012) unless the SNP has managed to get independence - then we will all be moving to England!
What's free in Scotland is more than paid for in other ways.
Cue for a song..... "you don't know what you've got till its gone!"

scaryfairy

02-04-2008, 11:30 AM

dzug

02-04-2008, 11:35 AM

As regards the senior railcard,do you need a card each or can you buy two or more tickets on just the one card.

A senior railcard covers one person only.

nameless sir ned

02-04-2008, 11:35 AM

It should be noted that if you live in Scotland or Wales, you are entitled to free travel nationally. However, if you live in England, you cannot use your pass in Scotland or Wales. How unfair is that.

dzug

02-04-2008, 11:43 AM

Where can I find a list of "coach" services that do or DO NOT offer ANYTHING to an ENGLAND local authority issued card?

No coach service anywhere that I know of offers anything to a bus pass holder. (I think there is one exception somewhere in Northumberland where a National Express service acts as a local bus on part of its route)

National Express offer a reduction to anyone over 60 - no card needed - but not free travel.

digital

02-04-2008, 11:48 AM

It would have been nice if Martin had mentioned disabled people at the beginning.
The word 'disabled' was just four words after the number '60' in his posting at the top of the page...

dzug

02-04-2008, 11:50 AM

Hi alared, when I worked for my local council, it was one adult ticket per railcard. If your partner is over 60 too they can get their own senior railcard. Hope this helps. I have the family railcard which means that I can buy a rail ticket for myself and my two children at a reduced rate but any other adult will have to have their own railcard so I assume it would be the same with the senior railcard.

Up to 4 adults and four children can travel on one family railcard.

''To use your Family Railcard, your group must contain at least one named cardholder and at least one child aged between 5 - 15 years. If there are two named cardholders, the maximum size of the group is the two named cardholders, two other adults and four children.''

red_hot_ginger

02-04-2008, 11:58 AM

My bus pass arrived last week, automatically! I didn't even have to request it, Hampshire took my details and photo from their existing data and just issued it - GOOD EH!
I've looked at the article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7324398.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7324398.stm) and might try it one day. Is there any easy way to plan similar journeys in England - it isn't easy to determine the names and websites of all the local bus companies.

dzug

02-04-2008, 12:08 PM

harryhound

02-04-2008, 12:14 PM

Well I've had a reply, its a complete coincidence:

Thank you for your email. Your application is being dealt with and should be with you by the 12th April.
You can use your existing pass until then.

Yours,

Thurrock Council Contact Centre.

Perhaps I can claim for a couple of gallons of diesel in the meantimeor should I move to a council like Hampshire, who can organise a !!!!-!! at Alton Brewery?

On the subject of National Express "Coachcards".

Following a review of our range of discount coachcards, the Advantage50 Coachcard was withdrawn from sale on 1 October 2004.

Since its introduction fourteen years ago we have seen a very limited take up of the Advantage50 card.
The majority of our existing card holders now qualify for savings of up to 50% with our routesixty (http://www.nationalexpress.com/save/routesixty.cfm) fares and so the decision was taken to withdraw the Advantage50 card from sale.

If you already hold an Advantage50 coachcard, we will continue to honour your card with discounts until it expires.

I bought one of these prior to 2004 only to discover that there were already cheepo fares on my route (London-Nottingham) that did not qualify for the discount:mad:

Then it went and suffered from this problem and I threw it away:

Faded coachcards should be returned to the below address, along with your full name and address and the type of card purchased. A replacement coachcard will then be sent to you free of charge:

Always check "Megabus" first.

On the Oxford-London run you can try booking the
"Oxford-Tube" via its Oxford website , complete with "senior" discount; or end up on exactly the same bus/coach, having booked it even cheaper via Megabus.

Thanks for the tip DZUG, here is more detail:

Routesixty (http://www.nationalexpress.com/save/routesixty.cfm) is our name for the government scheme that gives over 60s a discount of up to 50% during off peak times and up to 30% at peak times, on National Express services.
Routesixty fares are available to anyone aged sixty or over, or anyone who qualifies as disabled (http://www.nationalexpress.com/why_choose/disabled/concessions.cfm) (as described in the Transport Act 2000).
No coachcard is needed to receive this discount; however you may be required to show proof of age or disability when boarding the coach.
For further information on ways to save with National Express please visit our Ways to Save (http://www.nationalexpress.com/save/index.cfm) page.

dzug

02-04-2008, 12:27 PM

Always check "Megabus" first.

On the Oxford-London run you can try booking the
"Oxford-Tube" via the Oxford website , complete with "senior" discount; or end up on exactly the same bus/coach, having booked it even cheaper via Megabus.

Good point. But there's not a lot of point booking the Oxford Tube in advance - just buy the ticket from the driver, same price.

Don't assume megabus will always be cheaper - most journeys tomorrow are £10.50 return, as against £7.50 senior rate. And they tie you rigidly to particular departures

harryhound

02-04-2008, 12:50 PM

Good point. But there's not a lot of point booking the Oxford Tube in advance - just buy the ticket from the driver, same price.

Don't assume megabus will always be cheaper - most journeys tomorrow are £10.50 return, as against £7.50 senior rate. And they tie you rigidly to particular departures

Thanks DZUG: The last two times I've used it I paid 5.50, but these were rides at the weekend. When it first started on those second hand buses from Hong Kong, it was only a quid if I remember correctly.
For the first of my recent journeys, I was seriously late, but the driver let me on anyway:T:T
So the next time, I arrived in Oxford about an hour early, to be sure to be sure, BUT that driver told me "we are only allowed to let you onto the one before or the one after".:mad:

The trouble with most bus services is traffic delays plus the fact that usually you don't know if you have just missed it or if its running seriously late.

scaryfairy

02-04-2008, 12:52 PM

Up to 4 adults and four children can travel on one family railcard.

''To use your Family Railcard, your group must contain at least one named cardholder and at least one child aged between 5 - 15 years. If there are two named cardholders, the maximum size of the group is the two named cardholders, two other adults and four children.''

Hi dzug - when I tried to buy a ticket for my friend with mine along with my two children the girl in the office wouldn't allow it. I was told I could use it for me and up to three children only - no mention at all of other adults. Maybe it's because mine is a forces railcard - possibly different rules to a normal family travelcard.

annaangeluk

02-04-2008, 12:55 PM

harryhound

02-04-2008, 1:07 PM

Hello

I have a travelsaver pass. In order for me to use it Nationwide, I will have to wait until my new pass arrives. If you have an old one then it won't allow you to use it nationally until the new one arrives.

You can still use your old pass for local travel.

BTW certain disabled people can apply. I have my pass under learning disabilities category.

Alexis

Hi Alexis,
Welcome to MSE.
As a father of a couple of "handicapped" children, I'll check back with you, as someone who can master a disability, should I need advice. :beer:

Harry.

scaryfairy

02-04-2008, 1:11 PM

Hi annaangeluk. You would be best to check with your local council. They will have a dedicated concession number on their website or a customer services number. With regards to the council I used to work for, a person claiming the bus pass had to have the mobility element at the higher or middle rate of the DLA but that might not be the case with your local council. If they say ok check also if your mum is entitled to a companion pass - you never know - nothing ventured nothing gained! Hope this helps!!

Prof_555

02-04-2008, 1:12 PM

What's with this ? The reason for the 9.30 start is clear enough, but why an 11pm cut-off, for heaven's sake ? How many late-night drinkers and clubbers are we going to deprive of seats ???

James

02-04-2008, 1:16 PM

The new Concssionary Bus Passes are SMART Cards.

Anybody out there know if the SMART Cards have active RIFD Chips (http://www.spychips.com/faqs.html), or passive Chips such as those in Debit And Credit Cards?

dzug

02-04-2008, 1:23 PM

What's with this ? The reason for the 9.30 start is clear enough, but why an 11pm cut-off, for heaven's sake ? How many late-night drinkers and clubbers are we going to deprive of seats ???

Round here at least any bus running after 2300 is a night service that charges premium fares. Might not be universal of course.

dzug

02-04-2008, 1:27 PM

Thanks DZUG: The last two times I've used it I paid 5.50, but these were rides at the weekend. When it first started on those second hand buses from Hong Kong, it was only a quid if I remember correctly.
.

It can be only a quid now if you book far enough ahead (well plus the booking fee of course)

poorperson

02-04-2008, 1:52 PM

Shall we all move to either Wales or Scotland they sem to get a lot more things free than us in England, presecriptions for one.

Yes they do, don't they. Trouble is, the money comes from Central Government; the greater contributor of course, is England!!!!!!

alggomas

02-04-2008, 2:06 PM

This is certainly good news. What is even better is that DISABLED pass holders can travel anytime with no restrictions. [In London anyway].

topofall

02-04-2008, 3:20 PM

Good news! It's bad new for lots of pensioners! For instance, on the Isle of Wight they could travel before 9.30 prior to the changes, now it's after 9.30 it means that if leaving the island they will be getting to their destination much later!

Hospital appointments will be difficult to get to on a bus for instance.

When will the 'whole' country be counted as one? Probably never if Scotland manages to breakaway!

viviennehayes

02-04-2008, 3:31 PM

Not everyone will perhaps realise that, like in the Isle of Wight, some Councils have made it that you now have to pay full fare before 9.30 am. In Preston before 1st April we could travel before 9.30 am at half fare but now will have to pay full. Sometimes it is essential to travel before that time to keep appointments. I am caravanning in Wales in May and was quite pleased to think I would be able to travel around free while staying there but was not very happy to realise my pass is only valid in England. How can it be justified to have such different rules for people living in Wales and Scotland? I will write to my MP as well - I am sure it will make a big difference!!

Stuartli

02-04-2008, 4:27 PM

. Annoyingly, it is often only over 60s who are mentioned, as has happened this time. Disabled people are some of the poorest and disadvantaged groups in society. People over 60 aren't always!

My wife has had a Disabled Free Travel pass (which covers anytime of the day travel) since she was 53.

We live in the Merseyside area, where free bus, train and ferries travel for the over-60s has been available for many years. Six years ago the qualifying age for males was dropped from 65 to 60 because of the discrepancy with women.

However, the new bus passes will (rightfully) not allow those from outside Merseyside to use trains or ferries free.

Alix69

02-04-2008, 5:00 PM

Hi

Does anyone know if these nationwide bus passes can be used on the London Underground too for free. Anyone living in Greater London can use their buspass on the tube too, but if you're living in another part of England and visit the capital does you're new pass entitle you to free offpeak use of the underground as well as the buses?

msncom

02-04-2008, 6:20 PM

Regarding free travel for over 60's, is this good for visitors from the States? My parents are coming over for three weeks and I'd like to put them on a bus. (That sounds worse tha it is.):confused:

msncom

02-04-2008, 6:26 PM

cheshire_tony

02-04-2008, 6:27 PM

Regarding free travel for over 60's, is this good for visitors from the States? My parents are coming over for three weeks and I'd like to put them on a bus. (That sounds worse tha it is.):confused:
I don't think so. They have to be residents in the issuing council area.

On another point, I seem to recall reading somewhere that the passes issued outside the London area, e.g. mine is from Greater Manchester PTE, are not valid on London's buses. Anyone know the truth or otherwise of this.

I would assume it's not valid on the London Underground, or I would guess, tram systems in, for example, Croydon, Nottingham, Sheffield.

Cheers
Tony

Altarf

02-04-2008, 6:52 PM

Does anyone know if these nationwide bus passes can be used on the London Underground too for free.

No, buses only.

soulstarsinger

02-04-2008, 7:44 PM

cheshire_tony

02-04-2008, 7:50 PM

I think the whole point of this new scheme is that it gives a minimum standard provision England-wide (pre-supposing you're near a bus route). This is largely, though some argue inadequately, funded by central government (the taxpayer)

Indivual local authorities have the option of enhancing the minimum to cater for local situations. So here in the Greater Manchester PTE area our passes permit use on the trains and the Manchester Metro system as well as England-wide on local buses. Transport for London 0ver-60 passes may well, in a similar fashion, enable their residents to use the Underground and Greater London trains. In Nottingham quite possibly tram travel is included for local pass holders. It's all dependant on what, if anything, the local authority decides to add to the basic facility.

Visitors to these areas will, as I understand it, only be able to use the England-wide standard facility, local buses.

Visitors from other countries (outside the UK) will not get the benefits. And, in my view, why should they?

soulstarsinger

02-04-2008, 7:58 PM

I don't think this has been mentioned - there's also the Disabled Persons Railcard (http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/), which gives a third off most rail travel for the holder and one adult travelling with them. No limits on the time of day you can use it, either.

The qualification of 'disabled' can cover physical and mental health if you're registered disabled or receive benefits - the list is on this page (http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/buying-your-railcard).

TTFN

Lou

harryhound

02-04-2008, 8:57 PM

[quote=msncom;9843347]Regarding free travel for over 60's, Is this good for visitors from the States? My parents are coming over for three weeks and I'd like to put them on a bus. They are over 60 and can fake a British accent

If you put them on "National Express", it looks like they qualify for the over 60 discount, make sure they remember their passports to prove their age. Check the web site to be sure.
Foreign visitors get very confused by all the "anomalies" in the UK. I had to spend several HOURS on the net getting the best deals for a young relative from down under. If they are spending time in London, it could be worth getting them OYSTER cards (or lending them yours) if they can get their heads round the "touching" rules and technique. There is a thread on here somewhere that explains how to register an "over 60" OYSTER that offers a modest reduction on the daily maximum charge, as from Jan 2008.

crutches

02-04-2008, 10:46 PM

i may be being a bit naive but i read the "national" coverage in the first post as
welsh passes in wales
scottish in scotland
english in england
?????????
so welsh/scottish residents have no advantage there?
i have a welsh pass and havent been told its valid in england.
however a freiends mum travelled from birkinhead to porthmadog on her english pass!

dzug

02-04-2008, 11:01 PM

I think the Welsh and Scottish ones are valid all day and on coaches as well as buses - but otherwise no different. But ICBW.

ticketcollector

02-04-2008, 11:06 PM

be aware that some of the Local Auth bus passes get you 50% off fares on the trains in that local auth area.

e.g. Herts LA and Beds LA gets you 50% off in herts and beds.
I think North Somerset, Bristol CC, Bath & NE Somerset and South Glos gets you 50% off in North Somerset, Bristol CC, Bath & NE Somerset and South Glos.

Its LACON on the tickets and listed as "County Discount Code/Authority" "SCC" on ticket issuing systems.

Be aware that this discount is not advertised and most staff have not been trained on it and will claim your talking rubbish. Make them enter it into the system. http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/promotions/pr204da7c35ce741010e8b0da7e5a22e/details.html lists a little about it on another scheme.

toepazz

03-04-2008, 4:22 AM

:confused: Sadly, if you live in my part of rural Wiltshire, there are no local facilities, not even earplugs to drown out the eternal sound of helicopters over the house and the ever-constant, all-day-all-weekend-all Summer DRONE of aircraft, forever circling overhead purely for the pleasure of non-residents, intent on leaping out of aeroplanes. Even being in close proximity to that heap of rock known to all and sundry as Stonehenge, there is no bus service after 6.30pm in any case, so what use is a bus pass - which has yet to materialise for local journeys this year, never mind England-wide!

Cleosmum

03-04-2008, 11:11 AM

http://www.westwiltshire.gov.uk/index/news/news-article.htm?newsid=30683

amanda40

03-04-2008, 1:23 PM

If you have a Blue Badge ( disabled driver) but not in receipt of Dla you can apply for a free buss pass - that is certainly the case in scotland anyway. You can also get discount of rail fairs - 10 mile limit on that though!

Not sure if it is Uk wide yet though.

amanda40

03-04-2008, 1:27 PM

Also if you have a hospital app that means you have to travel before the off peak time - take along your appoitment card and they should let you on for free.

Tindella

03-04-2008, 9:35 PM

Thanks, Dzug - I did hit the "thank you" button!

helenshappyhens

03-04-2008, 10:00 PM

I've been trying to find some info for this but not having alot of luck!

My brother is 18 and autistic. he is in receipt of DLA (not mobility) but I'm not sure at what rate and my mum gets carer's allowance for him.

Would he be entitled to a free bus pass or is it just for people with physical disabilities?

Thanks

Anna x

Hello Anna
I got to your message, sorry if anyone has already answered but thought that you should know that you can get a card for your brother.
Get a form which your council may have online or at say bus station or council office, fill it in and tick ' learning disabilities' box when it asks for reason for requesting card. A letter from his doctor would be required also to confirm.
If a person did have physical disabilities and in receipt of DLA high mobility then ofcourse the 'receipt of DLA' box could be ticked. No letter from your doctor would be required in this instance. I have just done this in Suffolk for my daughter who incidently is not 16 yet and had no problems. If you are in receipt of DLA you need award letter or something to prove receipt and dont need a doctors letter and if over 60 Birth certificate is fine.

Apparently the 'English' rules for the bus pass is from 9.30am until 11.00 pm, I'm lucky and live in Suffolk and we can use our passes 24hours a day If we travel within Suffolk for the extra hours- if only there were that many buses.

donnajunkie

04-04-2008, 4:00 PM

the info from local authorities is appalling. i told a bloke i work with that in our area we get free travel before 9.30am. he didnt even know about it. i do think the information is unclear regarding catching a bus before 9.30am that crosses a boundary. some info gives the impression that people still have to pay from the boundary onwards and other info suggests the whole journey is free so long as it started in your local area.
if you are in the north east check out this leaflet. even if you arent it maybe of interest.
http://www.simplygo.com/images_3/Customer%20Concessionary%20Leaflet%20(3).pdf

i do think the before 9.30am restriction is daft. what about people who go to work? they are still going to be paying a fortune in bus travel. anyway the majority who qualify probably wont be working. all it is doing is annoying people to save money and it wont even be saving that much money because most journeys will be done after 9.30am anyway.

donnajunkie

04-04-2008, 4:08 PM

just to add to that people in the old county of cleveland continue to get free travel before 9.30am within the boroughs of stockton on tees, middlesbrough, hartlepool and redcar. it is debatable whether free cross boundary travel is possible or not before 9.30am because most of the info is unclear. this pdf leaflet seems to give a more positive view.
http://www.simplygo.com/images_3/Customer%20Concessionary%20Leaflet%20(3).pdf

calleyw

04-04-2008, 4:28 PM

As Bertie says fine as long as you have the new pass.

My husband does not. He is disabled. He has been told to carry on using his old one for the time being.

There are various stories going around as to why. My husband was told on thursday they had been posted out that day. He spoke to a neighbour who had been told on monday there was a problem with the printers.

Wish they would all sing from the same hymn. How can they have been posted out last thrusday if they still have not come back from the printers :rotfl:

Yours

Calley

donnajunkie

04-04-2008, 4:44 PM

mine didnt arrive until wednesday. we have been told the old one will remain vaild until the end of april. that doesnt help people who maybe wanting to use a bus elsewhere in the country. i am sorry to hear there are people being messed about even more than i was. why they left it all until the last minute i dont know.

GEMGIRL67

04-04-2008, 6:31 PM

I think the Welsh and Scottish ones are valid all day and on coaches as well as buses - but otherwise no different. But ICBW.

My mum and dad who are pensioners have free buses passes. But they can only be used for travel in Wales - it states that on the Wrexham Council website. As we live in Wrexham, just on the border, they are entitled to travel to Chester on the arriva wales buses because the route starts in Wales and is unbroken.

The Welsh bus passes cannot be used to travel around England or Scotland.

millie

04-04-2008, 6:37 PM

The english ones cannot be used to travel in Wales or Scotland either so I suppose that is fair enough.

crossleydd42

04-04-2008, 7:46 PM

So are we allowed free travel in Wales and Scotland as well?

If a bus route starts in England and finishes in Wales/Scotland, you can travel on it. For example, it is possible to get the Stagecoach route 73 bus from Gloucester, through Lydney, then into Wales and Chepstow and Newport. At 1hr 50mins, just hope the old bladder lasts out!

bryanb

04-04-2008, 7:56 PM

If a bus route starts in England and finishes in Wales/Scotland, you can travel on it. For example, it is possible to get the Stagecoach route 73 bus from Gloucester, through Lydney, then into Wales and Chepstow and Newport. At 1hr 50mins, just hope the old bladder lasts out!
But can you travel back?

crossleydd42

04-04-2008, 8:17 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by sluggy1967 http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=9830463#post9830463)
It would have been nice if Martin had mentioned disabled people at the beginning.

The word 'disabled' was just four words after the number '60' in his posting at the top of the page...

It would have been nice if Sluggy1967 had had the courtesy of apologising for maligning Martin.

crossleydd42

04-04-2008, 8:24 PM

donnajunkie

04-04-2008, 8:46 PM

The english ones cannot be used to travel in Wales or Scotland either so I suppose that is fair enough.

the unfair aspect is different locations are different sizes. so some people have a bigger area to travel in than others. that is what was unfair in england before 1st april. people were restricted to their own counties. living in the old county area of cleveland meant i had a very small area to travel in compared to people in neighbouring north yorkshire. of course all that does not matter now unless they penny pinch sometime in the future and change it back or worse.

crossleydd42

04-04-2008, 8:46 PM

I've been trying to find some info for this but not having alot of luck!

My brother is 18 and autistic. he is in receipt of DLA (not mobility) but I'm not sure at what rate and my mum gets carer's allowance for him.

Would he be entitled to a free bus pass or is it just for people with physical disabilities?

Thanks

Anna x

You might find this useful:

Disabled Persons Qualifying Criteria
These are defined in the Transport Act (2000) as someone who: -

a) Is blind or partially sighted;
b) Is profoundly or severely deaf;
c) Is without speech;
d) Has a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to walk;
e) Does not have arms or has long-term loss of the use of both arms;
f) Has a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind, which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning;
g) Would, if he/she applied for the grant of a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have his/her application refused pursuant to section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol. Independent medical confirmation to support any claim for concessionary fares under these categories will normally be required . Please be advised that any costs incurred to provide this proof are the responsibility of the claimant.

donnajunkie

04-04-2008, 8:51 PM

I see no evidence that my card has a chop on it.

pork or lamb? :rotfl: i see your typo, you mean chip. no they dont have one, well mine doesnt. i am wondering now though because in some publications i am sure i read something about buses having card readers.

crossleydd42

04-04-2008, 8:58 PM

But can you travel back?

Yes, it's an hourly service both ways between about 07:35 and 16:35. So you can get back before the pensioners bus pass curfew!!

They put the late night curfew on so we can get our beauty sleep!

donnajunkie

04-04-2008, 8:59 PM

You might find this useful:

Disabled Persons Qualifying Criteria
These are defined in the Transport Act (2000) as someone who: -

a) Is blind or partially sighted;
b) Is profoundly or severely deaf;
c) Is without speech;
d) Has a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to walk;
e) Does not have arms or has long-term loss of the use of both arms;
f) Has a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind, which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning;
g) Would, if he/she applied for the grant of a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have his/her application refused pursuant to section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol. Independent medical confirmation to support any claim for concessionary fares under these categories will normally be required . Please be advised that any costs incurred to provide this proof are the responsibility of the claimant.

i qualify due to not being able to get a driving licence due to epilepsy. when i applied first it was last year and for the old one. they wrote to my doctor to get confirmation and then wrote to me. it took about 2 weeks. i dont know if they do it the same way now.
so if any of you have epilepsy or know someone who does then you are likely to qiualify for a bus pass. ask your doctor first because it depends how flexible he or she is. going strictly by the rules if you havent had a seizure in a year you can get a driving licence and therefore wouldnt qualify for a pass. my doctor is really good and just said dont worry about that. although to be honest i do think i still have the odd minor seizure every now and then. so perhaps i am justified in having one afterall.

donnajunkie

04-04-2008, 9:02 PM

They put the late night curfew on so we can get our beauty sleep!

its to stop all the pensioners from binge drinking and causing havoc isnt it? :naughty:

crossleydd42

04-04-2008, 9:04 PM

pork or lamb? :rotfl: i see your typo, you mean chip. no they dont have one, well mine doesnt. i am wondering now though because in some publications i am sure i read something about buses having card readers.

Some typos are funny!

You're right in reading something about it - I did a few minutes ago, here:

"Using your bus pass
The national travel card will be in the form of a “smart card” which will mean that in some parts of England you will touch the bus pass onto the ticket machine as you board the bus. Currently, in Gloucestershire, you will still use your card as a flash pass which means that you will have to show your pass to the bus driver each time that you travel."

However, the example of Cheltenham's card which is shown. looks no different from my Gloucester one! They aren''t even swipe cards, which my previous one was, although never used as such.

crossleydd42

04-04-2008, 9:07 PM

its to stop all the pensioners from binge drinking and causing havoc isnt it? :naughty:

As the beauty sleep isn't working, I shall try a bit of carousing!

donnajunkie

04-04-2008, 9:11 PM

maybe they abandoned the idea or maybe it is only in certain areas. i got a little plastic wallet/pouch with mine which wouldnt be the best thing if they were meant to be read electronically. still i wont have peace of mind until i have used mine in the areas i travel in most.

crossleydd42

04-04-2008, 9:18 PM

moldovia

04-04-2008, 11:50 PM

Almost the 5th of April and I am still waiting for my new busspass!

crossleydd42

05-04-2008, 12:21 AM

Almost the 5th of April and I am still waiting for my new busspass!

Bad luck! My council was wise enought to keep its photos from the previous year and merely re-issued the new ones with the old photos. Mine arrived around the 25th March. Fortunately, the reproduction of the photos was better than the first time around and I don't now look like convict 99!

crossleydd42

05-04-2008, 12:38 AM

Before you buy your railcard from the railway station, check with your local authority - I don't know how many counties do this but here in Pembrokeshire the card is half price if you get it from the council offices! Last August I paid just £10 for mine and it gives one third off rail tickets, so just one journey that would cost £30 full price pays for the card. No more trying to juggle train times with the availability of cheap tickets. And while we are talking trains, look at different routes from A to B, some are cheaper than others, and I have often made huge savings by booking a journey in 2 parts - for example booking Haverfordwest to Crewe and a separate ticket for Crewe to Derby is much cheaper than one ticket from Haverfordwest to Derby, and although this route takes a little longer there are fewer changes, saving not only money but my old bones as well.

The unitary counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and South Gloucestershire offer discounted Senior Railcards. The rest of Gloucestershire is not unitary and I don't believe that that individual councils offer the, certainly not City of Gloucester, who has been quite miserly and turned down my suggestion to offer them. Bah, humbug!

Do remember that some years ago, the government gave discounts to National Express to allow pensioners to travel on their coaches for halfl-price.
Go to: http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/routesixty.cfm

harryhound

05-04-2008, 4:59 AM

Well I've had a reply, its a complete coincidence:

Thank you for your email. Your application is being dealt with and should be with you by the 12th April.
You can use your existing pass until then.

Yours,

Thurrock Council Contact Centre.

My pass has arrived.
I won't go into really nerdy details about my journeys (if you need details send me a Personal Message). But here is a summary, highlighting the main points and discussing the pro's and con's. I've tried to make it intelligible to someone living "North of Watford" by concentrating on nationally known landmarks.

Tools of the Trade: Haversack, Map ("M25 Master" - Collins), Sandwiches, Flask. Traveline web site. A compass would be useful in case there is no sun or satellite dishes available. - Rich people could take their Sat Nav:D

The Challenge: To get from "Lakeside Shopping Centre" to "Hampton Court Palace" - The London version of Traveline is in fact Transport for London and does overspill to "Places of Interest" in the Home Counties. Lakeside is a large shopping centre due East of London alongside Junction 31 of the M25. Hampton Court was the Royal Palace for Henry VIII and William&Mary. It is on the North Bank of the Thames about 10 miles in from the M25 Junction 12, along the M3 towards London.

If Traveline for London, can find you a route, it will offer a map with a "wizard" that will make a little picture of a bus motor along the street map.
HOWEVER, I don't believe Traveline's definition of a "bus" is the same as the card's definition. I won't spoil the fun, but try ticking "bus only" and ask Traveline for a Lakeside to Hampton Court route. How was it for you? Long distance road travel but no site seeing in London?!
Transport for London seems to have established a transport hierarchy. This means that now buses tend to zig zag through housing and then deliver their passengers to the rail/tube station. There are virtually no long distance buses. So you have to break down your journey into small sections and extract two or three bus rides for each query.

If I did this journey by car (at 07:00 on Christmas morning ;)) it would take about an hour each way, I dread to think what it would take on a normal week day.
My route would be A13 towards Canary Wharf and Tower of London; Embankment, past Big Ben to Putney; A3 over Wimbledon Common (Watch out for the Wombles) and down the side of Richmond Park, round the Kingston Bypass;. "Silly Isles" (collection of roundabouts) and North up the Hampton Court Way.
By bus it took much longer:
10:30 bus 272 single decker to the outskirts of Dagenham.
10:50 bus 287 :o:o:o:o:o Woops got on the one going in the wrong direction.
Interesting trip on the top of a double decker looking into the gardens of the Abbey Wood Estate.
11:20 Bus 287 back where I started:rotfl:. Went past what is left of the Ford plant, lots of weeds growing in the cracks of the car parks:rolleyes:
12:00 Bus 5 Hmm there are 10 people on the top deck, the other 9 are of African extract. Via West Ham to:
12:35 Canning Town Flyover, This is a transport interchange almost in the shadow of Canary Wharf and over the Thames from the 02 Dome (now the World's busiest Rock venue?) Ah a chance to "spend a penny" - actually its free but one of the two cubicles is out of order and the hand drier died some months ago.
12:40 Bus 115 double decker to Stepney. The politicians would prefer to call this Limehouse and on the other bank Surrey Docks has been renamed Sarah Quays, supposedly after some politician's girlfriend.
12:45 Bus 15 thru the City: Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Monument, St Pauls, Law Courts (someone is waving a poster that says "Millions of People Agree with Fayed" and there are a dozen TV vans drawn up.
14:00 Eventually struggle into The City of Westminster, along The Strand, arriving in Trafalgar Square (I understand that there were roadworks on the parallel route called Lower Thames St). I came near to depriving another tourist of a seat on this bus, it was "a tower of Babel" and nearly full. A worker would have travelled by tube.
14:08 Bus 9 Very high tech, it not only "kneels" to let the old clamber aboard, it displays the stops and final destination and annoyingly also speaks its display and number. Royal Academy in Picadilly, Duke of Wellington arch , between Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park; Albert Hall & Memorial; Kensington Palace; Holland Park; to Hammersmith bus garage and shopping mall. You can spend a penny here too but to be more accurate not one old penny but 30 new pennies:eek:.
15:00 Bus 33 is a single deck. Over to the South bank of the Thames, past the Barnes wetlands centre and into Richmond with its rebuilt riverside designed by
Quinlan Terry, Prince Charles' favourite architect.
http://www.urban75.org/walks/richmond-kingston.html
Over Richmond Bridge to Twickenham, passing Marble House en route to a tricky interchange, where a cross roads zig zags over the top of a railway line.
16:00 Bus R68 has to take a big detour through varieties of "Hampton" before turning back East along the North bank of the Thames to arrive at Hampton Court.
(Presumably buses are not allowed to run through the royal Bushy Park)
A short walk and I arrive at the home of my elderly relative at 16:30.
[I cut the grass, he defrosted some meals on wheels and we cracked open a bottle of wine to prove that, on a MSE budget, we too could joint the "new indulgents".]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/text/print.html?in_article_id=544590&in_page_id=

The next morning, my return journey was largely a rerun of the previous day, but I extended the journey on bus 5 to visit Romford market.
Two buses were turned back short of their destination, which means the traveller must keep their wits about them.
All the drivers accepted my card, by stabbing a button on the right of their machine two or three times. At Barking station, the bus was invaded by half a dozen ticket inspectors. I got a lady inspector, who could not get my card to work her terminal and said "I'll pass on that one", then proudly told her colleagues she had bagged the first out of town freedom pass.:beer:

Would I do it again?
Well it is not a very practical method of transport in London. For speed I would go back to taking my bike and "senior" rail card, so I could bike from Fenchurch St to Waterloo and make the journey in about 2 hours each way, at a return cost of about 10 GBP.
But it is great for sightseeing and Transport for London has much improved the buses with good displays and maps at the stops. The buses run from before 6:00 to after 24:00 in most cases 7 days a week and are manned by drivers in clean and tidy uniforms.

Finally I would like to thank all those motorists paying the congestion charge, for making this possible.:T:T

sluggy1967

05-04-2008, 8:49 AM

The word 'disabled' was just four words after the number '60' in his posting at the top of the page...

I know, but what I mean is, it wasn't mentioned in his email, therefore no disabled person is going to look at the posting when it only says "over 60s" in the email!

sluggy1967

05-04-2008, 8:56 AM

Biggles14

05-04-2008, 10:50 AM

So are we allowed free travel in Wales and Scotland as well?
No afraid not. According to the notes that came with the pass. If for instance you travel from Bristol, you can travel free to Newport but then you have to pay from there.

harryhound

05-04-2008, 12:35 PM

I hit the thanks button by mistake.

Martin did NOT mention disabled in his email, so no sorry, I shan't apologise.

Have yo sent him a PM so he can revise this in next week's email and get more publicity for this thread, or start another one especially for the disabled. I came across several in by travels, who had mastered the TfL mechanics of using the buses and obviously relished their freedom.

jojofrg

05-04-2008, 3:11 PM

Companions of disabled bus travellers often qualify for the new passes, but this is at the discretion of the local authority as a reply from
the Department of Transport shows:

Here is the reply from Paul O’Hara

“In reply to your question, there is no statutory requirement for companions of disabled travellers to get free off-peak local bus travel. The new Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007 does not change this (those entitled remain as described in the Transport Act 1985 and Transport Act 2000, or, for Greater London, the GLA Act 1999).
Local councils may, at their discretion, grant a concessionary bus pass to a companion, but they are not required to”.

And there can be restrictions even when they are issued. For example, within Gloucestershire, travel companions can only travel free within the county.

My husband is registered blind, since going totally blind 5yrs ago, he has been unable to travel alone on public transport, and once he reaches his destination, he needs guided assistance to get where he wants or needs to go, this is even more essential, the further away from home and his familiar routes that he is.
With the old bus pass, a companion could travel free with him anywhere that the pass was valid for, which was anywhere in Kent.
However the letter with his new pass (that didn't arrive until today, 5th April) state's a companion can only travel free with him on the local Sevenoaks area bus services, (which are very limited use to him in any case) so the extra benefit of nationwide travel are in fact useless to him, unless a escort pays for their own fare, or he pays for them to travel with him. This seems grossly unfair!:confused:

chalky_bertie

05-04-2008, 4:07 PM

Well, my new disabled pass arrived this morning, great. Opened a second envelope and low and behold another one has arrived aswell. Great keep one for spare, both have my photo on and run out in 2013. I must be lucky though as the 2nd one has also been granted for a "companion" to travel on the same journey for the same price, annotated with a little "+C" in the top right hand corner. :T Me and Mrs Chalky_bertie can now use the bus for nowt.

crossleydd42

05-04-2008, 9:32 PM

Following on from Harryhound's mammoth trip, if you're in London, this is a good way for those folk who hold these bus passes to see the sights:

http://www.londontourist.org/Bustour.gif

At Liverpool Street take the Number 11 bus which runs through the City, past the Bank of England, past St Paul's Cathedral, Fleet Street, The Strand, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall past 10 Downing Street and Horseguards, Westminster past Parliament and the Abbey, then through Victoria, including Westminster Cathedral, close to Buckingham Palace, through Pimlico to the Chelsea Hospital and Physic Garden, Sloane Square, King's Road through World's End and finishes up on Fulham Broadway.

From here, a short interconnect via the Number 28 bus, takes you to Olympia, where you can catch the number 9 bus back into town. That follows Kensington High Street, past Kensigton Palace and Gardens, Hyde Park, Knightsbridge, up Piccadilly, though Piccadilly Circus, to the Strand, where you hop off and onto a number 15 bus to the Tower of London. You can, of course do the route in reverse, or simply start at the Tower instead of Liverpool Street, in which case you take a number 15 Westwards and change for the 11 on the Strand (perhaps popping up to Covent Garden in between buses).

crossleydd42

05-04-2008, 9:37 PM

My husband is registered blind, since going totally blind 5yrs ago, he has been unable to travel alone on public transport, and once he reaches his destination, he needs guided assistance to get where he wants or needs to go, this is even more essential, the further away from home and his familiar routes that he is.
With the old bus pass, a companion could travel free with him anywhere that the pass was valid for, which was anywhere in Kent.
However the letter with his new pass (that didn't arrive until today, 5th April) state's a companion can only travel free with him on the local Sevenoaks area bus services, (which are very limited use to him in any case) so the extra benefit of nationwide travel are in fact useless to him, unless a escort pays for their own fare, or he pays for them to travel with him. This seems grossly unfair!:confused:

You're right, the system should not be random like it is.

Sliphorn

06-04-2008, 1:56 PM

No, you won't be allowed to travel free in Wales and Scotland, but you might be able to travel for free into Wales and Scotland depending on where you live. I live in Bath and can travel to Newport free because the journey 'starts or ends' in the area covered by my pass, but if I then wanted to travel on to Cardiff, I would have to pay.

So are we allowed free travel in Wales and Scotland as well?

jojofrg

06-04-2008, 6:34 PM

You're right, the system should not be random like it is.
:mad: It seems to me that the whole sorry system is one big mess! What with the inconsistency of times of use, plus some area's having the added bonus of free train, tram and underground travel.
I feel we should have a uniform consistent policy for all Britain, I for one will try to campaign for this in any way I can. Maybe if we all complained about these irregularities, we just might get some justice? (Well you never know:rolleyes: )

dzug

06-04-2008, 8:42 PM

:mad: It seems to me that the whole sorry system is one big mess! What with the inconsistency of times of use, plus some area's having the added bonus of free train, tram and underground travel.
I feel we should have a uniform consistent policy for all Britain, I for one will try to campaign for this in any way I can. Maybe if we all complained about these irregularities, we just might get some justice? (Well you never know:rolleyes: )

Well to put a contrary view, why should some local councils not be allowed to provide extra benefits for their local residents if those residents are willing (by reelecting them) to pay the extra council tax to do so? Isn't that 'justice' as well? Why does everything HAVE to be the same everywhere?

perism00

07-04-2008, 2:26 PM

Transport for London will NOT allow free travel on tube, train or trams to anyone other than London residents, but they WILL allow free travel on buses at the same times as London residents, which are more generous than the national scheme -- if you're a night owl!. Monday to Friday: from 0900 to 0400 the following day; weekends and bank holidays: at any time.

ticketcollector

07-04-2008, 5:01 PM

This has just come through on East Mid Trains.

From 1 April 2008, English National Concessionary Bus Scheme Cards will be introduced. Although these will make off-peak bus travel available across the whole of England to any cardholder, the level and area of discounted rail travel (if available) within each area will still be decided by the local issuing authority.
The following changes will be made to Concessionary Fares Schemes administered by East Midlands Trains from this date.

Charnwood Borough Council
The scheme area, journeys available and discount levels remain unchanged. Holders of the new National Concessionary Bus Cards bearing the Charnwood Borough Council logo at the top right will be eligible to receive discounts with this scheme. Existing Gold cards remain available to use until 30 September 2008.

Derbyshire County Council
The scheme area and journeys available remain unchanged; however there will be no free travel available from 1 April 2008. Any customers travelling with a pass endorsed for free travel will still be eligible for the 50% discount. Holders of the new National Concessionary Bus Cards bearing an Amber Valley, bolsover, Chesterfield, Derby City, Derbyshire Dales, Erewash, High Peak, North East Derbyshire or South Derbyshire Council logo at the top right will be eligible to receive discounts with this scheme. All of these cards will feature Derbyshire Gold and Derbyshire County Council logos on the reverse. Ticket issuing staff are asked to check both sides of the card to ensure the card holder is eligible for a discount. Existing Gold cards remain available to use until 31 May 2008.

Leicestershire County Council
The scheme area and journeys available remain unchanged. The only change to discount levels is that a small
number of disabled people holding an existing pink photo card will be able to travel free rather than at half
fare. Existing scheme card styles remain in use. Holders of the new National Concessionary Bus Cards bearing
a Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth, Leicester City, Melton, North West Leicestershire or Oadby & Wigston
Council logo at the top right will be eligible to receive discounts with this scheme. Some Temporary National
cards (without a photo) will be issued but these must be supported by a Leicester/Leicestershire photo card to
obtain a discount.

Nottinghamshire County Council
The scheme area, journeys available and discount levels remain unchanged. Holders of the new National Concessionary Bus Cards bearing the Nottinghamshire County Council logo at the top centre will be eligible to receive discounts with this scheme.

Rutland County Council
The scheme area, journeys available and discount levels remain unchanged. Holders of the new National Concessionary Bus Cards bearing the Rutland County Council logo at the top right will be eligible to receive discounts with this scheme.

islandman

08-04-2008, 6:35 PM

Dear Prime Minister

When your Chancellor announced in the Budget two years ago, that in April 2008, anyone over the age of 60 and Registered Disabled would be able to travel free on local bus journeys, he could have added that it might be confusing. Equally he might have said that depending on where you lived, you might not be able to access this free service until after 9.30am.

Clearly with half the country being able to use the service before 9.30am whilst the remainder of the country have to wait around, it might be worth pondering if as an election taster, this could be remedied.

Yours sincerely
islandman

donnajunkie

08-04-2008, 10:35 PM

the worst thing about the 9.30am rule isnt that some places have it and some dont. the worst thing is that if a place has it and you have a bus pass it doesnt apply to you unless you live in that area. i know of an area that is a major tourst destination that has this rule. to be fair i havent heard of a county or town that gives the extra benefit of free travel before 9.30am to anyone other than its own residents.

islandman

09-04-2008, 7:22 AM

KeithP

09-04-2008, 3:59 PM

<snip>
Clearly with half the country being able to use the service before 9.30am whilst the remainder of the country have to wait around...
Errr... No-one has to "wait around".

All you have to do is buy a ticket!!

I am over sixty and am very grateful to have a free bus pass (albeit with some restrictions). If I have a hospital appointment which means travel before 09:30am, I will buy a bus ticket. If I go to London (I don't live there) and want/need to travel on the tube I will buy a ticket.

Why are people never satisfied with their lot?

donnajunkie

09-04-2008, 4:33 PM

Oh no, and I don't think you will either. In the mountains of blurb I have read from numerous sites, any "extras" are for local only. I can only surmise that they as council tax payers for that area, should be the only ones to reap any benefit.

true, and that will probably be the thinking behind it. however there are many other things council tax payers pay for that people outside of the area use, public toilets for example. should people from outside of an area be stopped from useing the local conveniences?

millie

09-04-2008, 5:04 PM

I am over sixty and am very grateful to have a free bus pass (albeit with some restrictions). If I have a hospital appointment which means travel before 09:30am, I will buy a bus ticket. If I go to London (I don't live there) and want/need to travel on the tube I will buy a ticket.

Why are people never satisfied with their lot?[/quote]

I feel exactly the same as you, what ever we get it is better than we had before, I will now be able to use the bus free when I go on holiday and for lots of other occassions. I for one am very greatful for whatever I am given.

gb57

10-04-2008, 8:12 PM

Harryhound - they are called the "Scilly Isles" (NOT Silly:rolleyes: ) as apparently from the air this collection of roundabouts looks like the aforementioned Isles.

harryhound

11-04-2008, 12:25 PM

Harryhound - they are called the "Scilly Isles" (NOT Silly:rolleyes: ) as apparently from the air this collection of roundabouts looks like the aforementioned Isles.

Can I claim seniority?
I'm a just post war baby boomer. The local authority was ashamed to put up a notice admitting the original spelling; when the local name became a national road report landmark.

There was a proposal to replace them with one huge roundabout, but that was before the road planners realised that the energy of a moving object is proportional to the square of its speed. This means that when a junction gets overloaded a smaller roundabout can handle more traffic than a larger one (and the resulting accidents are less serious).

But I stand to be corrected:D

Harry.

islandman

12-04-2008, 4:58 PM

In hindsight, and unfortunate choice of words methinks "have to wait around," anyway, moving on quickly, I've heard that if a hospital appointment is required BEFORE the 9.30am start of free rides, bus companies will allow the free travel, all you need to do is show your appointment card, I consider that to be useful. To be perfectly honest, like many people, I could afford to pay for all my travel without the concessions, however someone in the wisdom decided that we should be given this, so with that in mind and taking into consideration all those that really can do with this help, the information should be made available. If anyone wants to pay, then feel free.

Absoluutbeginner

16-04-2008, 8:44 AM

I have been inspired by the discussions on these forums to launch a website called www.buspasscentre.co.uk (http://www.buspasscentre.co.uk). It's in the early stages yet, but I hope you will have a look and leave your feedback and comments.

Thanks and regards :D

harryhound

16-04-2008, 1:52 PM

Good luck with your venture.

I'm no way a proof reader but here are the changes I would make:

You must show the driver your pass as you get on the bus,. He will may give you a ticket which you must keep with you for the whole journey. You will be expected to show your pass (and your ticket) to an inspector carrying out checks on the bus. You may could be charged normal fare if you can't prove your eligibility for the free concession.by producing your pass.

(I am not sure if the 0.00 ticket, that some drivers are forced to issue, are to account for the journey or to prove the start time, probably both.)

Harry

PS You might want to publicise this concession:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=660627

islandman

16-04-2008, 3:19 PM

Hm, this could be good. I'd like to think that when I started the thread "Have bus pass, want to travel", it was with something like this in mind.

Now that you've become the first (that I know of) to produce site of it's kind, I'm sure you would agree that area's/category's are next to be included.

If area's ie south/west or anglia or south east were to appear, in fact all regions, then folk who live in any particular area, could enter what they feel is a journey worthy of taking.

Incidentally, we recently travelled by bus to a neighbouring town 7miles away and went to the local tourism office where we discovered bus services available that we had heard nothing about. The reason for that is because they didn't actually cover our home town, but did the neighbouring town, so in effect this opened up a new opportunity to travel that bit further. All we had to do was make the journey, a distance of 7 miles to discover that "new" area.

This brings me back full circle. Provide the regional area's and let those who live in them, publish their best/recommendations.

Absoluutbeginner

16-04-2008, 5:04 PM

Thank you harryhound and islandman, this is exactly the feedback I'm looking for!

Will implement the changes you advised, harryhound.

I'm working on the different regions, islandman, and hopefully I will add them shortly.

Thanks for your kind words.

islandman

17-04-2008, 7:12 AM

Absoluutbeginner

But where is your original post? that we have constructively commented on? has it been removed to update?. Maybe if you had left it there then others might equally have contributed worthwhile suggestions that would lead to you having a successful and much needed site for accessing the "best in free travel".

I sent you a PM, have you noticed it?

I'm sure we all look forward to you bringing the site back.

harryhound

17-04-2008, 8:12 AM

I think it has been taken down as advertising?
Shame really as it was obviously an amateur one-man-band effort BUT I expect "petrolbusters" & "friendsreunited" were very small ventures when first started?

Absoluutbeginner

17-04-2008, 8:40 AM

Hi islandman and harryhound, yes, the link must have been removed because it might be considered as advertising :mad: I do have moneysavingexpert as a link on my sight, though. Thought it might be reciprocal. Oh well, never mind.

Thanks for your interest. I will still keep posting here now and again.

Regards

islandman

17-04-2008, 8:46 AM

Please send me the link via a PM.

MSE Andrea

19-04-2008, 7:57 PM

Hi

Just to let you know I've reinstated Absoluutbeginner's post. As far as I can see there's no personal gain being made from it.

Thanks for creating it, it looks like it could be very useful.

Have a good weekend

Andrea :)

Absoluutbeginner

19-04-2008, 8:21 PM

Thanks again Andrea, :j

I hope it will be useful to the community.

Absoluutbeginner

harryhound

21-04-2008, 12:35 AM

I see the newspapers have been having fun with long distance pensioners doing South to North and West to East record journeys. Youth hostel pass anybody?

Edinburghlass

21-04-2008, 8:49 AM

Thanks again Andrea, :j

I hope it will be useful to the community.

Absoluutbeginner

Can you add something to the effect that Wales and Scotland have their own free bus pass rather than just say that the English one can't be used in Wales and Scotland?

Thanks.

edited to add link for Scotland... http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/concessionary-travel

link for Wales http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/transport/IntegratedTransport/concessionaryTravel/?lang=en

donnajunkie

21-04-2008, 8:31 PM

Youth hostel pass anybody?

for people not traveling alone a hotel or b & b might work out cheaper and better value for money.

islandman

22-04-2008, 6:30 AM

The East Midlands Regional Assembly, whoever they are, sent me a Main Bus & Rail Links between Towns & Cities map yesterday, and at first site, gave me a fright. But, it look to be an invaluable item. It covers from Leeds to MK and Stoke 0n Trent to Boston. If you feel this might be useful, google for info.

Absoluutbeginner

27-04-2008, 11:30 AM

Can you add something to the effect that Wales and Scotland have their own free bus pass rather than just say that the English one can't be used in Wales and Scotland?

Thanks Edinburghlass, it is done!

crossleydd42

17-08-2008, 2:50 PM

But can you travel back?

If you buy a return in the first place - Yes.

crossleydd42

17-08-2008, 5:19 PM

Well, to put a contrary view, why should some local councils not be allowed to provide extra benefits for their local residents if those residents are willing (by re-electing them) to pay the extra council tax to do so? Isn't that 'justice' as well? Why does everything HAVE to be the same everywhere?

The system has little to do with local residents as far as funding is concerned, which is now dome from central govenrnment funds.

harryhound

18-08-2008, 10:06 AM

The system has little to do with local residents as far as funding is concerned, which is now dome from central government funds.

.........by a complicated system that even most local government accounts staff do not understand.
I just have the feeling that the southern shire counties are subsidising the northern urban population?!?

And then there is the "Midlothian" issue.

harryhound

26-12-2008, 8:20 PM

Basildon (Essex) to Brighton is an interesting trip but the cash saving value is only 14 - 15 quid.:

09:00 left home.
09:10 caught bus 10 ( a 5 would do) Thurrock, my council, allows use from 09:00
09:49 Lakeside (6 minutes wait plus 5 minutes delay by next bus running late = 11)
10:00 bus X80
10:16 Bluewater (-1 36 +10 = 45 transfer) Driver put his foot down over bridge!
11:01 Bus 703 Bluewater is busy. it has information and loos in its bus station
12:00 Maidstone West Stn - Rocky hill (+15 23 -15 ? = 23 transfer)
12:23 Bus 7 Should be bus 6 but call of nature & no Loo = bush in field !
13:28 Tunbridge Wells Meadow Road shopping centre(17 minute transfer).
13:45 Bus 29 There is a loo in the shopping centre entrance RHS of Fenwick.
15:28 Brighton North of Pier.

An alternative at Bluewater would be bus 308 to Sevenoaks then 402 to T.W.

The buses south of the Thames were all double deckers (and I got the front seat upstairs;)) The Kent ones were operated by Arriva, old diesels, probably banned from London on emission grounds BUT the seat over the driver has lots of leg room!). The Brighton one was a modern bus.

Good views over rolling Kentish countryside and orchards.
Interesting old towns - the bus can take roads banned to through traffic.

harryhound

28-03-2009, 4:31 PM

donnajunkie

28-03-2009, 8:06 PM

so it seems that any bus that has any destination en route that could be remotely considered a tourist destination can refuse the pass. i hope it doesnt affect me when i go to the lakes this year.

LesD

07-04-2009, 1:12 PM

From 1st April it cannot be used "on a bus where at least 50% of the seats could be booked in advance"
So that is National Express etc off the hook.

It seems a a bit of muddled announcement but bus passes can be withdrawn from:
tourist and sightseeing buses and rail replacement services.

So expect South Coast local authorities, or for that matter local authorities anywhere in the country to put "the sightseeing service of xxxxxxxx" on the sides of their buses.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7969839.stm

Aye 'up Harry....the 'government spokesperson' said....."Following a full public consultation, these changes will clarify which types of service are outside of the spirit of the national concession, reducing potential for any confusion over whether a service is eligible - e.g. tourist and sightseeing buses and rail replacement services".

Clear as mud!

donnajunkie

07-04-2009, 4:20 PM

i thought sightseeing buses were already excluded. when i went to manchester in november the sightseeing bus didnt accept bus passes then.
i woull like to know how people will know which buses they can use there pass on in future if the case is that councils can call a bus a tourist bus to get out of paying for the free fares.

munsterforever

07-04-2009, 6:58 PM

we all know whats going to happen.... what about the poor old people living in cornwall say? every destination in the summer is a tourist attraction in the duchy!! ...disgusting....shame on the UK government who clearly are not funding the scheme properly.
Moreover older folk who have worked all their lives should not be begrudged free travel on any mode-they should be allowed on National express coaches and trains free of charge not just buses...... as they are in the North of Ireland...so much for a "UNITED" kingdom

islandman

08-04-2009, 6:48 AM

As I understand it, when originally it was stated that oap's (and disabled) would be able to travel on buses throughout the UK, many people took it to mean just that. Now after a period of people being unsure due to exact terminology, all they have done is clarified so that "tour" buses, ie open-topped/commentary buses are not within the scheme.

Some people considered that if they used the "park & ride" scheme, that also would be free, the clarification confirmed this also was not part of the scheme.

Another anomaly is that whilst I may be able to travel to a neighbouring town before 9.30am, if I wished to return before 9.30am, I may not be able to if that particular council has decreed it. This we must accept. This is something we may experience when on holiday in the UK too.

As for National Express, originally I think everone accepted you could not use your pass for them, however it emerged that within some routes, parts of the route were said to be "registered" and some "unregistered", on one of those (I cannot remember which one), the pass could be accepted. The question was, how would we know where it was applicable?.

The clarification is now "from 1 April, will no longer be valid on coach routes where more than half the seats can be booked." So, I'll leave it to someone else to explain that.

If anyone is interested in reading the BBC's take on this clarification, then this is the link.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7969839.stm

roddydogs

08-04-2009, 7:04 AM

pineapple123

08-04-2009, 7:46 AM

I cant believe people are complaining about restrictions regarding bus passes.
I live on the south coast and the buses in summer are so overcrowded I usually have to stand and I have to pay for the privilage, children around here have to pay for adult bus fare over the age of 14 even to get to school and thats regardless of income.

Yes i agree that every person over 60 should be entitiled to free transport (with restrictions) but also all persons under 18 and students should also qualify.

Instead of moaning, be grateful for what you have because Im sure that when I hit 60 this scheme will be a thing of the past likewise the NHS as we know it ,due to the politcs (national debt)of today and less money going into the system with decreasing work age people and ever increasing elderly population .

alared

08-04-2009, 8:32 AM

I cant believe people are complaining about restrictions regarding bus passes.
Instead of moaning, be grateful for what you have because Im sure that when I hit 60 this scheme will be a thing of the past .

I`m sure that if it was really up to this government we wouldn`t have it at all.
They pay the lowest pensions in Europe and they couldn`t care less about pensioners who they treat as a burden.
In Spain pensioners have had free travel for years.
They also,upon reaching retirement age receive a free holiday from their government and get into museums and galleries for free.
This government is not giving the over 60`s anything because they have paid for this throughout their lives as well as their miserly pittance of a pension.

I don`t know for certain but I wouldn`t be surprised if this over 60`s travel is something to do with EU law and this government,much as it would like,can`t weasel out of it.

roddydogs

08-04-2009, 8:35 AM

So where would you like taxes to rise to pay for all the above?

P4ula

08-04-2009, 9:07 AM

What about the unfair situation that anyone in Greater London can use Tube and Train.........anyone else cant, and before someone posts "Its paid for thru council tax" we pay more than most London Boroughs in Council Tax.

Don't some disabled people get a free bus/tube/train pass when visiting London?

I recall chatting to a chap on a train to London last year about the all England bus pass and he was telling me something about the Mayor had allowed disabled visitors to have tube and train passes, I cannot remember the full details though.

Paula

alared

08-04-2009, 10:36 AM

So where would you like taxes to rise to pay for all the above?

Taxes don`t have to rise to pay for this just diverted from other wasteful projects.
Just give the banks a couple of billion less and cut MP`s expenses.
It`s marvelous that for years we`ve been told,there`s no money for this,that and the other but suddenly there`s BILLIONS available for the crooked banks.
This used to be a rich country but we spend too much money and time looking after people that have never paid in anything to the cost of those that have.

harryhound

08-04-2009, 11:48 AM

I've used my home counties issued "national" bus pass in London after 09:00 and after 23:00 without any problems.

Also check the web site "buspassheaven" for their clarification of the latest rules.

donnajunkie

08-04-2009, 3:39 PM

I live on the south coast and the buses in summer are so overcrowded I usually have to stand and I have to pay for the privilage,

the answer to that is for them to put more buses on. of course they wont do that they just treat customers like sardines.

donnajunkie

08-04-2009, 3:44 PM

They pay the lowest pensions in Europe and they couldn`t care less about pensioners who they treat as a burden.

as one of the many currently out of work and having to manage on £60.50 a week i would be partying if i got what pensioners get. a minimum income of £124.05 a week and a £200 bonus at xmas. if they are hard up what does that make the unemployed? i'm not saying they shouldnt get what they get by the way. i just think they need a reality check.

cos69

08-04-2009, 5:13 PM

.... Also check the web site "buspassheaven" for their clarification of the latest rules.

Thanks for sharing - new to this game, a lot to learn :beer:

alared

08-04-2009, 5:24 PM

as one of the many currently out of work and having to manage on £60.50 a week i would be partying if i got what pensioners get. a minimum income of £124.05 a week and a £200 bonus at xmas.

Get your facts right.
In 2009-2010, the full basic State Pension is £95.25 a week for a single person and £152.30 a week for a couple, but your individual circumstances may affect the amount you get.
They only get this if they have worked all their lives and paid enough stamps.
The Christmas bonus is £10,which it has been for about 40 years.
In todays terms it should be nearer to what you thought (£200)

Obviously,I don`t know your circumstances and I agree that £60-50 dole money is hardly a fortune to live on but that`s the gov. for you.

millie

08-04-2009, 6:10 PM

What about the unfair situation that anyone in Greater London can use Tube and Train.........anyone else cant, and before someone posts "Its paid for thru council tax" we pay more than most London Boroughs in Council Tax.

Its swings and roundabouts really as a West Midlands resident we can use the local train service with our pass. Other councils allow residents to travel before 9.30. Ok we cannot have it all but I am extremely grateful for what we get, it is much better than it was before.

donnajunkie

08-04-2009, 8:12 PM

Get your facts right.
In 2009-2010, the full basic State Pension is £95.25 a week for a single person and £152.30 a week for a couple, but your individual circumstances may affect the amount you get.
They only get this if they have worked all their lives and paid enough stamps.
The Christmas bonus is £10,which it has been for about 40 years.
In todays terms it should be nearer to what you thought (£200)

Obviously,I don`t know your circumstances and I agree that £60-50 dole money is hardly a fortune to live on but that`s the gov. for you.

if a pensioner has loads of money in the bank or has a private pension as well then that figure you gave is what they get from the state. there is something that exists that guarantees everyone over the age of 60(even men) a minimum income of £124.05 per week. what happens is they get their money topped up to that amount with pension credit. i was joking when i said xmas bonus what i was refering to is the heating allowance. it may not be £200 but it is certainly more than £10.

LittleVoice

08-04-2009, 10:53 PM

I've used my home counties issued "national" bus pass in London after 09:00 and after 23:00 without any problems.

Also check the web site "buspassheaven" for their clarification of the latest rules.

Does it have anything about the latest rules? If so, can you post the link, please, because I couldn't find anything.

alared

09-04-2009, 7:42 AM

harryhound

09-04-2009, 9:52 AM

Does it have anything about the latest rules? If so, can you post the link, please, because I couldn't find anything.

It is better to teach a person to fish, than give them a fish to eat.

I tried this:
(1) Paste into google and click sites-from-uk option:
“book” site:www.buspassheaven.co.uk (http://www.buspassheaven.co.uk)
<click>
(2) Scroll down to the bottom of the first page of hits & click
"Search the results"
I put "2009" into the window
<click>
Result is below, I soon discovered that National Express has theoretically ditched its freeby pensioners (but is this legal on registered routes?)
Needless to say the current Government is trying to make the bus pass rules as complicated as the tax system.(and that is for users who may well be disabled, educationally sub normal or forced to give up driving by brain problems such as stroke/epilepsy.)

Bus Pass Heaven Forum • View topic - national express problems new ... (http://www.buspassheaven.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=157)
Bus Pass Heaven Forum • View topic - Heathrow Hotel Hoppa (http://www.buspassheaven.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=43)
Bus Pass Heaven Forum • View topic - Government Consults on ... (http://www.buspassheaven.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=144)

Harry

PS If you click on "cached" in the search results you get Googles fast response showing its copy of the web site with your search words highlighted. The page probably still works the same way as the original as far a links etc, are concerned.

donnajunkie

09-04-2009, 3:04 PM

[QUOTE=donnajunkie;20490395]if a pensioner has loads of money in the bank or has a private pension as well then that figure you gave is what they get from the state./QUOTE]

If a pensioner has the above,it`s because they`ve worked hard and saved all their working lives and paid their full stamps.
Nobody has given it to them for free.
A man has to pay NI for 44 years and a woman 39 years to receive a full state pension.
They earned it,they paid for it,unlike the something for nothing,debt ridden culture of today.
From 2010 the government is reducing the number of years to thirty.
I would imagine the reason being that they`ve thrown so many onto the dole that there`s no way the could make up the 44/39 years to get a full pension.
Correct me if I`m wrong but if you claim JSA,you are credited with NI stamps.

yeah, people do get their national insurance paid if they are on jsa. i never disagreed with the idea that people work for it and perhaps deserve more. my point was simply that i dont see how anyone over 60 can plead poverty when they are guaranteed a minimum income of £124.05. if they dont have that money from a private pensions etc then the government provide it. at least the heating allowance isnt means tested. :)

alared

09-04-2009, 5:43 PM

You may be right about a minimum existence of £124-05 for a person to live on,probably means tested.
But surely if this is the minimum for a pensioner then it must be the same for everyone,including yourself.
Maybe there are things you can claim for if you are only managing on £60-50 a week.

I`m afraid we are digressing from the subject of free bus passes.
Good luck and I hope you find employment soon.

harryhound

10-04-2009, 10:05 AM

There is a parallel thread on bus passes running here:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=854009

LittleVoice

10-04-2009, 4:36 PM

It is better to teach a person to fish, than give them a fish to eat.
.

Thanks for trying to teach - but it doesn't help in finding busspassheaven's "clarification of the latest rules" which your earlier post suggested was there. What you seem to have found are people's views on what the rules were before 1 April 2009.

Perhaps you were suggesting that there would be clarification in due course?

Altarf

11-04-2009, 7:59 AM

Here are fuller details of the changes - http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/concessionary/informationlocalauthorities/eligibleservices/servicechanges

And the two main topics, coaches and tourist buses -

Services on which more than half of the space can be reserved

What is this exclusion designed to do?
It is intended to exclude long distance intercity services, which typically are coach services, from the concession.
Under the existing criteria, it may be possible for some sections of coach routes to qualify for concessionary travel. Because previously travel was restricted to a local authority area, this was not an issue. However, with the introduction of England-wide concessionary travel, we have reassessed the criteria.

Why not just exclude coaches?
Referring to the vehicle type has been rejected as the same service can quite conceivably be run using either a "coach" or a "bus".

Why shouldn't coach services be included in the statutory concession?
The mandatory concession is intended for local bus services. There is a separate half-price coach concession which is not affected by these changes.

What if a coach service also provides an important local service?
Although the Department believe that these services lie outside of the scope of the mandatory concession, a local authority has the ability to offer concessionary travel on a discretionary basis on any services affected by these changes.
----------------------------
Services operated primarily for the purposes of tourism or because of the historical interest of the vehicle

What is this exclusion designed to do?
It is intended to exclude tourist and sightseeing buses, which charge premium fares and may have commentaries or other such services. It will also exclude services that are only run because the vehicle is of historical interest.

What about local services that stop at locations popular with tourists?
The exclusion is not designed to exclude these services. The Department's view is that this exemption would not in any way exclude normal local bus services that charge standard fares but which happen to stop at tourist or historic venues.
-------------

So you can't use a National Express (or similar) long distance coach, and "normal" buses in tourist areas are not affected. Not much change there then.