How can I apply for a bus pass?
Concessions the national bus concession scheme for disabled people is run by local councils and operates differently in various parts of the UK.
In England
Many local councils issue blind and partially sighted people and people of retirement age with an annual bus pass which gives you free off-peak travel on local buses. Off peak is between 9.30am and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. The regulations for discounted or free bus travel vary from area to area. Contact your local council to check. You can also enquire about additional benefits such as tram travel.
In Greater London, you may qualify for a Freedom Pass that entitles you to free travel on all underground, overground, bus and tram services. For more information about Freedom Passes see What is the Freedom Pass and how can I get one?
In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, you can get a National Entitlement Card that entitles you to free standard class travel on all rail, local bus, ferry and long distance services in Scotland and the Glasgow underground. Contact your Transport Scotland or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to apply for a National Entitlement Card.
In Northern Ireland, you can get a half fare SmartPass that entitles you to free or half-priced travel on nearly all scheduled bus and rail services. You should be given the form automatically when you register your sight loss or you can contact your Health and Social Services Trust.
In Wales, contact your local council for a pass you can use on buses at any time of the day. You may be asked to provide evidence of your disability when applying.
