Retired persons Bus pass

edited 21 January 2021 at 2:33PM in Over 50s MoneySaving
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jeff_chandlerjeff_chandler Forumite
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edited 21 January 2021 at 2:33PM in Over 50s MoneySaving
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.  
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  • 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.


  • FarwayFarway Forumite
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    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?
  • 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_chandlerjeff_chandler Forumite
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    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.
  • gordybrockgordybrock Forumite
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    Lancashire have the Nowcard bus pass for over 60s
  • edited 26 January 2021 at 12:55AM
    zagubovzagubov Forumite
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    edited 26 January 2021 at 12:55AM
    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.

    There is no honour to be had in not knowing a thing that can be known - Danny Baker
  • TELLIT01TELLIT01 Forumite
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    The bus pass can be used throughout England.  I don't know about trams or trains.
  • edited 5 February 2021 at 2:43PM
    harz99harz99 Forumite
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    edited 5 February 2021 at 2:43PM
    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


    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.

    virus

    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

    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)


  • MalMonroeMalMonroe Forumite
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    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. 
    Please note - taken from the Forum Rules and amended for my own personal use (with thanks) : It is up to you to investigate, check, double-check and check yet again before you make any decisions or take any action based on any information you glean from any of my posts. Although I do carry out careful research before posting and never intend to mislead or supply out-of-date or incorrect information, please do not rely 100% on what you are reading. Verify everything in order to protect yourself as you are responsible for any action you consequently take.
  • Can my Carer (my daughter age 24) get a free bus pass, or at least a discount? We’re in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk area 😊
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