Here’s what you need to know about disabled person’s and older person’s bus passes
There are seven conditions that automatically entitle you to a free bus pass in England. A concessionary bus pass is only accessible to certain groups of people.
This scheme is designed to assist those who otherwise find it difficult to get around, without worrying about the cost. There are two types of complimentary bus passes in the UK, which can be utilised on local buses.
These are referred to as a disabled person’s bus pass and an older person’s bus pass. Discover more about how to qualify for each of these passes below.
Disabled person’s bus pass
In England, there is not a central provider for the disabled person’s bus pass. To determine your eligibility and how to apply, you need to contact your local council.
You can locate your local council and apply for a disabled person’s bus pass on GOV.UK. The criteria for a disabled person’s bus pass in England generally stipulates that you must be five years old or over, and:
- Severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted)
- Profoundly or severely deaf
- Are without speech
- Have a disability or injury which has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to walk
- Have no arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
- Have a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which started before adulthood and includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning
- Would be refused a licence to drive a motor vehicle, should an application be made under part three of the Road Transport Act 1988, under section 92 of the Act (physical fitness), otherwise than on the grounds of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol
Your condition must be permanent or last at least 12 months. The application process varies slightly if you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
More information can be found on the Government website.
Older person’s bus pass
For older people, the Government website states that in England, you can obtain an older person’s bus pass when you reach State Pension age, currently 66 for both women and men.
However, in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, you can apply for this pass once you turn 60. If you reside in London, you can also get free bus travel at the age of 60 with the 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website, which also includes free travel on trains and other public transport.
Age UK suggests that individuals over 60 may also be eligible for travel concessions in other areas. “It’s a good idea to check with your local council to see what help is available,” the charity recommends.
For further details on how to apply for the older person’s bus pass, visit the Government website here.
