Questions and answers
If you cannot find the answer to your question below then visit the DfT bus pass site for more information
Q. What does the national bus concession offer?
A. Free bus travel anywhere in England off peak Monday to Friday and at any time on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.
Q. When exactly is off-peak travel?
A. Off peak hours are 9.30 until 23.00 Monday – Friday, and all day weekends and bank holidays.
Q. What is the definition of a 'local' bus?
A. The definition of a ‘local’ bus will be self-evident in most cases, but in a few instances could include some longer distance buses and coach services where part of their route is registered as a local bus service. If in doubt, you can check with the service operator or the relevant local authority in the area in which you intend to travel.
Q. Will I be able to enjoy free travel everywhere within the UK?
A. No, the concession will only apply within England.
Q. Is it only applicable to buses?
A. The new concession applies just to local bus travel but some authorities offer additional services. See below to find out exactly what extra services are covered in your area.
Q. If I visit an area that offers additional services, will I be entitled to them?
A. Probably not. As a general rule, local authorities will only provide additional services for their own residents. Some authorities, however, may provide them – the additional benefits in Nottinghamshire are detailed below.
Q. I don't live in London, but I visit relatives there occasionally. Will I be able to enjoy the same benefits as a Freedom Pass holder if I travel there?
A. No. Because those benefits are paid for by the London authorities, only London Freedom Pass holders will be able to enjoy additional local travel on the tube, trains and trams. You will, however, be able to enjoy the statutory national concession of free off-peak bus travel when visiting the capital.
Q. I'm finding all the differences in the different schemes confusing, what do I really need to know?
A. The national pass entitles you to free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England. This is the only service that is guaranteed. There are additional services available for residents in Nottinghamshire, see below for more details.
Q. Who qualifies for concessionary travel?
A. People who qualify on age grounds or eligible disabled people, are entitled to concessionary bus travel. The age entitlement has changed, please see the scheme leaflet for more details or visit the government state pension age calculator to see when you will qualify.
You are an eligible disabled person if you:
•are blind or partially sighted
•are profoundly or severely deaf
•are without speech
•have a disability, or have suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk
•do not have arms or have long term loss of the use of both arms
•have a learning disability - a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning, or
•would have an application to drive a motor vehicle refused due to your disability.
Q. How do I apply for my travel pass and how much does it cost?
A. The concessionary travel passes are initially free of charge, however if you lose your pass a fee may be charged for a replacement. Applications should be made by post to the County Council, the relevant forms can be downloaded here.
Q. How do I use my travel pass?
A. If your bus is equipped with a card reader please present your pass to it when you board. Next tell the driver where you want to travel to and take your ticket if one is offered to you. Be ready to show your pass to the reader again when the driver has entered your ticket request.
If you have a problem using your pass, with transport operators or any other issues regarding the scheme please contact the County Council on tel: 08449 80 80 80. Persons caught using any travel pass in a fraudulent manner may have the pass withdrawn and be excluded from the scheme.
Additional travel benefits for Nottinghamshire residents
The Nottinghamshire scheme offers free travel on the Nottingham tram (NET) between 9.30 and 16.00 and after 18.00 Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. Between 16.00 and 18.00 Monday to Friday half fare travel is available.
Free travel may be available to companions of disabled residents of Nottinghamshire who are blind, have a severe learning disability or who have a severe physical disability which means they require assistance when traveling. Free travel for companions is available on off peak bus and tram services at the times specified above.
If you have not been able find the answer to your question above then visit the DfT bus pass site for more information.
