Bus passes in England for people with epilepsy

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. 

The 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.

• Find out where you can get a free pass in your local area

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.

See also

• Bus travel in Scotland
• Bus travel in Wales
• UK health care and welfare benefits