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Bus travel in England

Last checked 21/08/2008

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From 1 April 2008, people over the age of 60 and disabled people in England are eligible for a free bus pass. This is valid for bus travel in England between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Fridays and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays.

To get a free pass, people with epilepsy are classed as ‘disabled’ if they would be refused a driving licence if they applied for one. 

London busThe Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) regulations 1999 allow a person with epilepsy to have a driving licence if:

  • that person has not had an epileptic attack for a year or more, or
  • that person has a history of attacks while asleep, and only while asleep, over the past three years or more, and
  • the driving of a vehicle by that person is not likely to cause danger to the public.

This means that a person is not eligible for a concessionary pass just because they have epilepsy. They are eligible for the pass if they would be refused a driving licence, if they applied for one.

Where can I get a free pass?

Contact your local District or Unitary Council, or in metropolitan areas, the Passenger Transport Executive as these are the organisations responsible for issuing the passes.

Where can the pass be used?

You can use your free pass for bus travel across England.

How much does a pass cost?

The pass will be issued free of charge. If a photograph is needed, you will need to supply that.

Will I be entitled to concessionary fares on coaches?

Free travel will not be included for coach services. Some coach operators, such as National Express, already offer half-fare schemes for older and disabled people on many scheduled coach services. There are no changes planned to these services.

Will I be able to have free or discounted travel on other transport like trams, ferries or rail?

No, the legal minimum only covers bus services. A local authority may add travel on other forms of transport, depending on their judgement of local needs and circumstances, and their overall financial priorities.

Have you had problems getting a concessionary bus pass?

See also

 

Information updated 19 March 2008

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