Welcome!

to BUS PASS CENTRE
Bus Pass Centre
Planning your trip
Disabled Bus Pass
London Freedom Pass
Shop
Contact Us
Community Page
NPC Report on Concessiona

National  Express Coaches

On Monday 31 October 2011 the Government is removing the coach concessionary discount scheme. The scheme currently allows people over 60 or with a disability to travel by coach for up to half price.

 

For further information and to voice your objections visit the Consumer Advice forum here

and/or the National Express link here.

 

Please note, our national concessionary bus passes are not affected.

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR A BUS PASS

 

The first step is to find out when you will be eligible for a bus pass, as we do not automatically qualify when we turn 60, as before. This age is tied in with our State Pension age, and is increasing between 2010 and 2046. Click on the following link for more information, and then use the orange button on the page to calculate your eligibility. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/StatePension/DG_4017919
 
Secondly, contact your local authority. Your concessionary travel pass will be issued by the authority who administers you local concessionary travel scheme. You will need to prove your eligibility, and that you're a permanent resident of your area (photo ID and household bills). Some authorities ask for two passport-size photos, others will take their own pictures of you. Phone beforehand to find out their requirements. There is no charge for the bus pass, and there is usually a 2 - 3 week wait. Find your local authority here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Publictransport/BusAndCoachTravel/DG_10036264
 
If you live in London, you are lucky enough to qualify for the Freedom Pass, allowing free travel on practically all public transport including underground and ferries. See this link http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/freedompass/.

 
Firstly, are you eligible for concessionary bus travel?

 
          If you are resident in England and of 'eligible age',
          or are 'eligible disabled', then you are entitled to
          England-wide concessionary bus travel. 
 
 
From 1st April 2008, you are entitled to free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.
Off peak hours are 9.30 a.m. until 11 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, and at any time on Saturday,
Sunday and public holidays.
Some local authorities may offer additional benefits, e.g. travel times outside the above-mentioned hours, reduced fares on rail and trams, but they are only valid in your particular area.
 
Services not covered - The rules about the services you can use changed on 1 April 2009.
You may not use your free pass to travel on -
  • services where most seats can be reserved (e.g coaches)
  • temporary services running for less than six weeks (e.g. shuttle buses to special events)
  • tourist services or services on vehicles of historical interest (e.g. open-top bus tours)
  • rail replacement services
  • services where ‘extras’ (e.g. refreshments or car parking) are included in the fare

Don't forget to buy your hands-free lanyard and card holder from our shop - see below!

Show your pass
You must show the driver your pass as you get on the bus, He will give you a ticket which you must keep with you for the whole journey. You will be expected to show your pass and your ticket to an inspector carrying out checks on the bus. You could be charged normal fare if you can't prove your eligibility for the free concession.

  

Where can the bus passes be used?
 
They can only be used in England. Wales and Scotland have their own free bus pass schemes (click on the blue links for more information).
 
In addition, they cannot be used on the tube, trams, and DLR in London, or on National Rail at any time. (London Freedom Pass is the exception!) 
By the way, if you're 60 or over, you can buy a Senior Railcard for only £26 (or a 3-year card for £65). You will save 1/3 on Standard and First Class rail fares throughout Great Britain for a whole year. For more about the senior railcard click here: http://www.senior-railcard.co.uk/
 
PSSST!! Some over-60s claim they are paying less than £26 by purchasing their Railcard from their local Council. Worth contacting them to find out.

Half price tickets with National Express

 

If you're 60 or over you automatically qualify for concessionary fares with National Express services to destinations within England and Wales. All you have to do to qualify is verify your age. 

 

For more information go to http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/routesixty.cfm

Click here to read the hair-raising story of the disgusting treatment of bus pass holders in the West Yorkshire area, as told by David and Stuart Wise. Please use the contact me page to submit your comments and stories.

 

P.S: After a recent "hearts-in-mouth" visit to West Yorks, David and Stuart sent this Postscript.

 

PPS: Another horrible incident 

Here is a shameless plug for my website www.secretarybird.net.

As a Virtual Assistant I offer audio file typing (transcription), ebook design, typing, research and graphic design services. If you are a coach, speaker, author, entrepreneur or writer - let me take the load! Reasonable rates, and great service.

 
Helpful websites
 
Information and advice from the UK's largest charity working with and for older people
 
Seniors Discounts provides age specific discounts and money saving advice for people 50 plus – www.seniorsdiscounts.co.uk

 

For anyone over the age of fifty who is looking to evaluate their life and learn more about themselves.
www.fiftyforward.co.uk

 
People across the UK are missing out on benefits and tax credits worth more than £5 billion a year. Entitledto can help make sure you get what is yours.
 
The dynamic Martin Lewis sends a weekly email packed full with money saving tips, advice, freebies, and consumer revenge!
 
'I don't feel 50' continues to campaign on behalf of older people. The site is centered round a lively and creative forum. 
www.idf50.co.uk

 

The National Pensioners Convention (NPC)

Their main objective is to promote the welfare and interests of all pensioners, as a way of securing dignity, respect and financial security in retirement.

http://www.npcuk.org

 

The Bus Passes Blog. "Links to local authority bus pass/freedom pass pages with information
on how/where to apply, and application forms to download.  No need to hunt for the right page !"

http://www.blog.freebustravel.co.uk/?page_id=67