Pensioners and disabled people across the UK may qualify for free bus travel depending on age and circumstances
Free bus travel is available throughout the UK – although eligibility is limited to specific groups. Depending on your age or circumstances, you might be entitled to a concessionary bus pass.
The scheme has been established to support certain people who may face mobility challenges, eliminating financial obstacles to transportation. Two types of concessionary bus passes are offered across the UK for local bus services.
These include an older person’s bus pass and a disabled person’s bus pass. However, what are the exact qualification requirements and application processes?
Older person’s bus pass
According to the Government website, English residents qualify for an older person’s bus pass when they reach State Pension age, currently 66 for both men and women.
In contrast, residents of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can apply from age 60. Londoners can likewise obtain free bus travel at 60 via the 60+ London Oyster photocard through the TFL website, which covers trains and other public transport options.
Age UK notes that some areas may offer travel discounts for those over 60. “It’s a good idea to check with your local council to see what help is available,” the charity advises.
Additional information about applications for the older person’s bus pass is available at gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass.
Disabled person’s bus pass
In England, there isn’t a single provider for the disabled person’s bus pass. To ascertain your eligibility and to apply, you’ll need to get in touch with your local council.
You can find 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 is generally if you are five years old or over and you:
- Are severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted)
- Are 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 will need to be permanent or last at least 12 months.
If you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland the way to apply is slightly different. You can find out more at gov.uk/apply-for-disabled-bus-pass.
