Bus passes (concessionary travel)
A concessionary travel pass allows you to enjoy free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England:
- Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 11pm
- Weekends and public holidays: all day
Additional benefits
Tram travel
In addition to the standard national benefits[PDF], the Nottinghamshire scheme includes free tram travel on the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) system.
To receive free tram travel make sure you scan your bus pass before boarding the tram. Tram inspectors will be in operation and may ask to re-scan your pass to check it was done before boarding.
NET only accept passes issued by Nottinghamshire County Council or by Nottingham City Council.
If you have a bus pass issued by another council this will not be valid and you will need to buy a ticket before you board from the ticket machines.
Medilink and Centrelink
From 2 January 2018 the previous restriction for use of your pass on these services has been removed. You can therefore use your pass to travel as follows:
- before 9.30am: fares must be paid at all stops
- after 9.30am: free from all stops.
Local exclusions
The concessionary fares scheme is funded by central government but managed and administered by local transport authorities. The local transport authority reimburses bus operators for journeys made under the scheme. There are some services where concessionary bus passes are not supported under this scheme.
Red Arrow
Concessionary passes are not accepted on this service.
Red Arrow is classed as an amenity service rather than local bus travel. A local bus service generally serves all stops along the route. However, the Red Arrow operates as a limited stop express service.
Night buses
Night buses charge a premium fare so may be excluded from the scheme. Please check with the relevant operator.
Apply for or renew a concessionary travel pass
Request a replacement pass
- If your current travel pass has been lost or damaged you can request a replacement. A £10 fee is payable.
- If your current travel pass has been stolen you will need to contact our customer service centre or email: concessionary.travel@nottscc.gov.uk. We will provide a replacement for free if you have a Crime Number from the police (not an Incident Number).
Changes of address
If you move house please let us know by contacting our customer service centre or email: concessionary.travel@nottscc.gov.uk.
COVID-19 vaccination update
Effective from Monday 25 January until 19 July 2021, all concessionary pass holders will be able to board a bus in Nottingham or the wider Nottinghamshire county area for free before 9.30am on weekdays to attend a vaccination appointment. Concessions that possess either a Nottingham City Council or Nottinghamshire County Council issued pass will also be able to use the tram for free before 9.30am on weekdays to attend a vaccination appointment.
We have decided to do this for our residents in conjunction with Nottingham City Council and local bus and tram operators to help you make any early morning COVID-19 vaccination appointments, but please try to avoid appointment times before 9.30am as the buses may be busier. The take-up will be monitored, and the benefit may be withdrawn should buses or trams start to fill up too much over the coming weeks and months.
