Free bus travel for the over 60s in England

cheshire_tony

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

I don't think this has been mentioned - there's also the Disabled Persons Railcard, 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.

TTFN

Lou

harryhound

msncom wrote: »

msncom wrote: »

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

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

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

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

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

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

amanda40

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

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.