National Concessionary Scheme - free bus travel

Shelle

Most people probably know this, but as with everything else, thought it was best to post this information on the off chance someone doesnt know and can save money!

When free travel was introduced for the over 60's, it was also introduced for disabled travellers to travel free on all local transports in England.

I recently saved considerable money on holiday when staying in Pickering and fancied a day in Whitby. First I checked out the steam railway, to discover that it would cost £60 return (for me and 2 other adults):eek: As much as I wuld have liked to do that, I could not justify paying a HUGE sum like that. We caught a bus from literally outside where were staying and travelled free (as the other 2 adults were over 60!!):j What was even funnier, 90% of the people on the bus were also travelling free (although I suspect I was the only disabled one as I was the youngest!). It was a great journey traveling through the little villages and seeing what you dont get to se ein the car.

I also use free travel as a "park and ride" by parking 1 mile from the city centre and then catching a bus, thus saving on bus fares AND parking fees:j

painted_lady

This is for people who meet the following conditions

What is 'eligible disabled'?

You are eligible disabled if you:

• are blind or partially sighted
• are profoundly or severely deaf
• are without speech
• have a disability, or have suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to walk
• do not have arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
• have a learning disability, or
• would, if you applied for a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have your application refused under section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) on grounds other than persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.

KAAT_LADY

Thank you Shelle ..I didnt know this as DH has just gone on DLA.. thankyou for the info

Ann x

amanda40

In Scotland if you have a Blue Badge you can apply for the consession card too.

suzanne

Hi All,

Can anyone tell me how or where I apply for free travel?

Thank you
Suzanne

zzzLazyDaisy

Hi, In my area you go to the town hall. Check this site out, it might tell you where the provider is in your area.

• List of England's concessionary pass providers Opens new window

It is also worth enquiring if you qualify for a carer's pass. This depends on your OH's disability and how it affects him, but basically, if he needs someone with him in order to get out and about on the buses, you should apply for a carer's pass too.

The carer's pass isn't well publicised, and the qualification criteria varies from one area to another - need proof that the disabled person is in receipt of HRM/HRC DLA, others need a letter from your GP.

Shelle

Well I have a pass, but I hadnt known about the carers pass!! You are right though, not very easy to find out about. Searching for it, I can find it with several councils, but looking on my own councils website - zilch!!!

oystercatcher

Anyone know where to get the forms from for a bus pass?
My OH gets higher DLA for mobility and this could be really useful at the moment.

Many thanks to OP

Oystercatcher

colin13

just a question I have a bus pass which entitles me to scotland wide free bus travel as we all know,,, I am going to blackpool for weeks holiday can I use my bus pass there,,some 1 i know said some bus driver in blackpool accepted it and others didnt

colin13

oystercatcher wrote: »

Anyone know where to get the forms from for a bus pass?
My OH gets higher DLA for mobility and this could be really useful at the moment.

Many thanks to OP

Oystercatcher

I phoned First bus they had a disabled dept, I am in scotland do not know about england

Poppycat

My 17 year old daughter has a free bus pass, one adult or older child is allowed to go with her for free too