Retired persons Bus pass 21 January 2021 at 2:31PM edited 21 January 2021 at 2:33PM in Over 50s MoneySaving 15 replies 1.6K views

jeff_chandler

My wife reached 66 and retirement age in Nov 2020. Because she isn't any good with laptops I have the job of applying for her. 
We live in Greater Manchester and I have accessed the GMPTE web site. I have downloaded the application form and noticed that if she wanted to add train and trams to her pass, she would need to pay an extra £10 which is fair enough. The pass states she can use Busses in Greater Manchester and doesn't state she can use it elsewhere in England. 
We live on the border of Greater Manchester and the only bus she uses goes into the next county to do regular shopping. I got the impression a Buss pass for senior citizens entitled you to use it in all of England? I'm baffled. 
Kind regards Jeff.  

[Deleted User]

https://tfgm.com/tickets-and-passes/passes-for-older-people

If you qualify for a state pension, you could be eligible for a pass that gives you free travel in Greater Manchester and the rest of England under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

Farway

Not familiar with the Manchester passes but are they maybe local, like London Oyster card?

Maybe OP is applying for the wrong card?

I have used my national pass as far afield as Devon & Manchester, I also used it on the Tram but maybe that was a mistake out of ignorance on my part?

[Deleted User]

Farway said:

Not familiar with the Manchester passes but are they maybe local, like London Oyster card?

Maybe OP is applying for the wrong card?

I have used my national pass as far afield as Devon & Manchester, I also used it on the Tram but maybe that was a mistake out of ignorance on my part?

 I think they are applying for the women's card from my link rather than the pensioner card, which is what they should apply for, 

jeff_chandler

We have sorted it now thanks. 
It's a Greater Manchester issue for Bus only but, allows free ravel on all busses in England off peak. An extra £10 is payable which includes Trains and Trams, probably a good idea for when this nasty virus eventually decides to leave. 
The GMPTE site only mentioned Busses within the Greater Manchester and didn't mention the pass can be used anywhere in England. 
Thanks for taking the time to reply.

gordybrock

Lancashire have the Nowcard bus pass for over 60s

zagubov

Farway said:

Not familiar with the Manchester passes but are they maybe local, like London Oyster card?

Maybe OP is applying for the wrong card?

I have used my national pass as far afield as Devon & Manchester, I also used it on the Tram but maybe that was a mistake out of ignorance on my part?

In London, the over-60s Oystercard does work on some buses crossing the boundary into neighbouring counties, e.g Leatherhead, Epsom, Dorking in Surrey. Surrey local buses crossing into London can't be used.

Also works on London trams, tube, overground and off-peak trains.  Costs a few quid. lasts till you get a Freedom pass at 66 which lets you use the bus anywhere in England.

TELLIT01

The bus pass can be used throughout England.  I don't know about trams or trains.

harz99

The best starting point is at this link https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass.
Putting your postcode in will give you something similar to this  https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass/county-durham.
Finally, clicking on the "go to" link will give you something like this which should be self explanatory and gives you an idea of an extra facilities in your area:
 

Apply for an older person's bus pass

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If you live in County Durham and have reached pension age, you can apply for your older person's bus pass. This gives you free travel on buses anywhere in England and half fares on some local trains.

Before you travel, please follow the latest travel advice.

A 9.30am time restriction on the use of concessionary bus passes is in place to help with social distancing, even at peak travel times. If you have a County Durham travel pass, you can board in a County Durham bus before 9.30am for a flat fare of 50p.

When you can apply for your bus pass

When you can get your pass depends on when you were born.

If you were born before 6 October 1954, you will get your pass when you apply. If you were born on or after 6 October 1954, you will get your pass on your 66th birthday.

What you need to apply

You will need:

• proof that you live in County Durham, such as a copy of a bank statement, utility bill or council tax letter
• proof of your age, such as a copy of a birth certificate, driving licence, passport or pension book
• a passport sized photograph

Apply for a bus pass

• By post: Download, print and complete   Concessionary bus pass application form (PDF, 97.7kb)  and send it to the address on the form along with your supporting documents.
• Online: Scan or take a photo of your form and supporting documents on a smartphone/mobile device. You can then upload the form and documents using our document submission form. You must include your application form, your evidence and your photograph otherwise we will be unable to process your application.

Your new pass will be posted to you as quickly as possible.

What you can use your pass for

Your pass entitles you to:

• free travel on all bus services in England
  • between 9.30am and 11.00pm, Monday to Friday
  • all day Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays (certain special night-time services are excluded)
• travel for 50p on journeys where you use a local bus (in County Durham) 
  • before 9.30am, Monday to Friday
• free travel on Durham City Park and Ride
• half price fares travel on certain local train services:
  • Chester-le-Street or Seaham to/from Newcastle or Middlesbrough (and any station in between)
  • Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Newton Aycliffe or Heighington to/from Middlesbrough (and any station in between)

MalMonroe

jeff_chandler said:

We have sorted it now thanks. 
It's a Greater Manchester issue for Bus only but, allows free ravel on all busses in England off peak. An extra £10 is payable which includes Trains and Trams, probably a good idea for when this nasty virus eventually decides to leave. 
The GMPTE site only mentioned Busses within the Greater Manchester and didn't mention the pass can be used anywhere in England. 
Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I live in South Yorkshire and my retired persons bus pass is for all buses in England - as well as all trams. It states 'travel South Yorkshire' but I've used it on buses in many different cities, and have also used the trams in Manchester and Nottingham so far. Never had to pay anything extra. It's not eligible for train travel, for which I normally  buy a Senior Railcard and which I'll do again once coronavirus has gone. It's always worth asking, which I have done in the past. And I've never been refused travel via my pass, unless it's been a bit too early to use, that is. I always remember to smile sweetly too, it goes a long way!

Also, why not be kind and teach your wife how to use the internet for herself, it's a great thing to know and you're never too old to learn. 

serendipity1234

Can my Carer (my daughter age 24) get a free bus pass, or at least a discount? We’re in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk area 😊