Bus pass

Katykat

My OH & I were born on the same day. I qualfy for my State pension next January at the age of 63. He has to wait until he's 65. So, next year I should get my bus pass. Firstly, what's the difference between a local & national pass? And when would OH qualify? I heard that he should qualify at the same time as me, but I can't find any information to back this up.

agrinnall

Information here.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass

jbuchanangb

Yes your OH will qualify at same time as you. Bus passes are valid on local buses off peak in the country in which they are issued. That is valid in England if issued in England, valid in Wales if issued in Wales, valid in Scotland if issued in Scotland.

Katykat

That link isn't much help agrinnall, it just tells us his pension age, which is 65. JB, your information backs up mine, but is there any link to it? And would he get the local bus pass or the national pass at the same time as me?

wealdroam

Katykat wrote: »

That link isn't much help agrinnall, it just tells us his pension age, which is 65.

So you didn't put your postcode in the box to find out what happens in your council's area?

Katykat wrote: »

JB, your information backs up mine, but is there any link to it? And would he get the local bus pass or the national pass at the same time as me?

Where I live there is no distinction between a 'local' bus pass and a national one.
Maybe there is in your area. Another good reason to find out your local rules.

dzug1

There's only one pass.


Mine has the local county council name on the front and 'National Concessionary Bus Travel Pass' on the back


Some local authorities allow peak hour travel, either for locals or for anyone, but that's the only real difference

jbuchanangb

It's a national pass (by country) for travel on local buses. Some buses may seem to be local but may in fact not be so-registered. Very had to identify, but this could include "express" buses such as those to/from airports.

One really useful tip is that usually the buses at out-of-town park & ride car parks are registered local buses, so the passes can be used. The parking is free, so with free travel on the buses, the whole deal is free.

Laz123

I lived in the Greater London area and got mine at 61 but maybe it's different with local councils. I can travel on buses at any time but trains and tubes after 9.30am.

Bollotom

Hi, Laz. Just a point, I think you can use your pass on the tube anytime now.. It;s only National Rail have restrictions now. :cool:

Katykat

So I could use my bus pass on the London tube? Or is it only London bus passes that are valid?

dzug1

Only London bus passes are valid on the tube