Have you had problems getting a concessionary bus pass?

March 2008

Epilepsy Action is keen to find out whether people with epilepsy eligible for a free concessionary bus pass have been refused a pass or have had to wait a lengthy period to receive one.

Since 1 April 2006, all residents of England who are aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people have been guaranteed free off-peak local bus travel within the local authority area in which they live. From 1 April 2008, people over the age of 60 and disabled people in England are eligible for a free bus pass that entitles them to free bus travel on all local buses anywhere in England (rather than just within their local authority area of residence).

There are seven categories of disability under which a person can be entitled to concessionary bus travel. To get a free pass, people with epilepsy are classed as disabled if they would be refused a driving licence should they apply for one. 

However, Epilepsy Action has received reports that a number of people with epilepsy have been refused a free concessionary bus pass, even though they are entitled to it, or are having to wait lengthy periods of time for approval to receive a pass.

We are asking people to get in touch if they have been refused a pass or have experienced a lengthy delay before their application for a pass has been approved. We are also looking for people who would be willing to be interviewed by the media about these issues.

If you would like to contact us with your experiences please contact Michaela Miller, Epilepsy Action’s campaigns and policy officer, on 0113 210 8800 or email mmiller@epilepsy.org.uk