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If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from discounts on your rail journeys to a free bus pass.

What transport concessions are available?

Can i get a free bus pass, can i get a discount on train travel, can i get a london freedom pass, what if i have difficulty using public transport, what if i'm unable to use public transport, more travel concessions questions.

There are several national public transport concessions available to older and disabled people. Some entitle you to discounts on your fares, while others allow you to travel for free.

Eligibility for these concessions depends on whether you have a disability or your age. 

Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be able to get one of the following free bus passes, which allow you to travel free on local buses:

• an older person's bus pass
• a disabled person's bus pass

What age do I have to be to get an older person's bus pass?

You can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men.

Apply for your older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

If you're 60 or over and live in London, then you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

Apply for your 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website Other areas may also offer travel concessions for people who are over 60. It's a good idea to check with your local council to see what help is available. 

How can I get a disabled person's bus pass?

There's no central provider of the disabled person's bus pass – to find out if you're eligible and how to apply, you need to get in touch with your local council.

Find your local council and apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Are there any other discounts if I'm an older person or I'm disabled?

It's a good idea to contact individual transport operators to see if they offer discounts.

For instance, National Express offers Coachcards. These are discount cards for older or disabled customers. You buy them for a set fee of £15 and they get you a third off the cost of your travel across the year.

Find out more and order a Coachcard on the National Express website

Depending on your age and circumstances, you might be entitled to one of the below railcards:

• a Senior Railcard
• a Disabled Person's Railcard

Both railcards are discount cards. You buy them for a set fee to last either 1 or 3 years and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel.

Can I get a Senior Railcard?

The Senior Railcard is available for anyone aged 60 or over to buy.

You can apply on the Senior Railcard website using a valid passport or UK driving licence as ID. Or, you can apply in person at most staffed railway stations.

Find out more about the Senior Railcard and apply online

Can I get a Disabled Person's Railcard?

The Disabled Person's Railcard is available to you if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you're registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
• you're registered as having a visual impairment
• you have epilepsy
• you receive a disability-related benefit, such as  Personal Independence Payment
• you receive War or Service Disablement pension
• you receive Attendance Allowance
• you receive Severe Disablement Allowance
• you receive War Pensioner's mobility supplement

Find out more about the Disabled Person's Railcard and apply online

Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city – including National Rail services, the Underground, buses, river services and trams – and free local bus journeys nationally.

If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you:

• you've reached State Pension age
• you have a disability.

Find out more about Freedom Passes and apply on the London Councils website

National Rail has an interactive tool called Stations Made Easy, designed to help people find their way around stations and find more accessible routes, avoiding potential difficulties like stairs. This may be helpful if you have difficulty using public transport because of your health. 

Find out more and use the tool on the National Rail website

If you're disabled, you can't use public transport, or you don't have access to a car, you might also be able to use a community transport scheme – such as a social car, dial-a-ride, or taxicard scheme.

Shopmobility schemes help people shop in town centres by lending out wheelchairs and scooters. Some local councils also offer concessions on local public transport.

To find out what's available in your area, you can contact your local council or your local Age UK.

Find your local council on GOV.UK

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No, you can't use a free bus pass on National Express buses. To get senior concessions on National Express you need to buy a senior coachcard, which costs £15 a year and gets you a third off the cost of your travel across the year.

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Yes, your bus pass will give you free travel on buses across England, including London. However, there may be specific rules about when you can travel for free, so check your local council's free bus pass guidance before travelling.

Find your local council's older person's bus pass guidance on GOV.UK

Want more information?

Apply for an older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

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Last updated: Jul 30 2024

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Information for people in Newcastle upon Tyne

Home Information Concessionary travel

Concessionary travel

Page contents:

There are a number of ways to travel across the country, across the North East and in Newcastle. Here we draw attention to all the options available.

Am I eligible for a Concessionary Travel Pass?

You are eligible for an English National Concessionary travel pass, also known as a free bus pass, once you reach your 66th birthday. It is free for your first year.

Individuals with certain disabilities can also get an English National Concessionary travel pass. To check if you’re eligible visit newcastle.gov.uk .

Where can I use my bus pass?

With an English National Concessionary Travel Pass you can travel for free on:

• any Tyne and Wear bus from 9.30am weekdays, and all day at weekends and on public holidays
• for 60p on the Shields Ferry from 9.30am Monday to Friday, all day at weekends and on public holidays
• for 50p on Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Metrocentre/Blaydon, from 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays
• any local bus in England (including all major cities) between 9.30am to11.00pm weekdays, and all day at weekends and on public holidays

For further information contact Nexus .

How to apply for a free bus pass

You can apply for your English National Concessionary travel pass up to 28 days before you become eligible. It is worth doing this as it may take 28 days for your to receive it. You can either:

• apply for the first time online (older or disabled people)
• renew or request a replacement online (older or disabled people )

Travel shops are now closed.   The application form to apply for the first time or renew is available to download .  You will need a photo. You can ask for help or a postal form by telephone: 0191 202 0747.

Updating your Concessionary Travel Pass

If your English National Concessionary Travel Pass is about to expire you can renew it on the month that it’s due to expire or the month before that. You don’t need to send off your old pass.

If your details have changed, such as your address or name,  you need to inform Nexus . 

Lost your Concessionary Travel Pass?

If you think that you have lost your concessionary travel pass whilst using public transport, contact the appropriate operator. This will either be

Go North East

Your pass may have been handed in to the driver. If you are unsure which operator’s service you can check on Traveline or contact Nexus .

If your pass has not been found you will need to apply for a new English National Concessionary Travel Pass at a cost of £5.

Is your Concessionary Bus Pass valid?

Ticket machines on local bus services now tell you if your Concessionary Travel Pass is not valid for travel.

Why would your pass be cancelled?

• if you informed your card issuer that your pass is lost or stolen.
• if your pass is being used fraudulently by someone other than you the pass holder.
• if you are no longer entitled to concessionary travel.

What happens if the ticket machine says your pass has been cancelled?

• if your pass is not valid you are not entitled to free concessionary travel
• the driver will tell you that your pass is not valid. You will be asked to pay the normal adult fare. If you don’t want to pay the fare you can’t travel.
• contact your card issuer using the phone number shown on the back of your pass as soon as you are able to arrange for a new pass to be issued.

If you have more than one pass how do you know which one is valid? If you have more than one pass, use the pass with the longest expiry date. Other passes with an earlier date will have been cancelled and will not be valid for travel.

For more details call the phone number on the back of your pass.

Free bus travel for companions

A Companion Card lets you take someone with you free of charge when you travel on buses in Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Northumberland and Darlington. It’s available to residents of Tyne and Wear who receive certain allowances and are not able to travel without a companion.

Metro Gold Card from Tyne and Wear Metro

If you have an English National Concessionary travel pass, you can apply for a Metro Gold Card . This gives you unlimited travel on Tyne and Wear Metro, on Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Sunderland and also the Shields Ferry.

The Gold card offer can be used all day at weekends and on public holidays and weekdays after 9.30 am. This is known as ‘off peak’. If you have a hospital appointment you can use your pass before 9.30 am if you carry and show your hospital letter. During July and August and between Christmas and New Year, you can travel before 9.30 am.

The card costs £12 a year if you live in Tyne and Wear or £24 if you live outside Tyne and Wear. Your Gold card will be loaded onto your English National Concessionary Travel Pass.  You can do this at a Metro station ticket machine.

For further information, including how to apply contact  Nexus .

You can renew your Gold Card up to 7 days before your current pass expires.  To check the expiry date touch your CT Pass on the orange reader at a Metro station. Or, if you have an NFC (near field communication) enabled smartphone, install their Pop card checker app and check your expiry date using your phone. Visit Google Play and search for Pop card checker.

Lost your Metro Gold Card?

If you have lost your Metro Gold Card with your Concessionary Travel Pass on it you will need to report it to Nexus as soon as possible. You will then need to purchase a new Metro Gold Card from your local travel shop.

Concessionary Ferry Fares

You can get discounted fares on the Shields Ferry with your English National Concessionary Travel Card if you live in Tyne and Wear. Pay 60p single from 9.30am Monday to Friday, all day at weekends and on public holidays.

If you have a Metro Gold Card, you can travel for free on the Shields Ferry from 9.30am Monday to Friday, all day at weekends, on public holidays and throughout July and August.

For more information about concessionary ferry fares visit Nexus.org.uk

Reduced cost Metro travel

Tyne and Wear Metro offer some cheaper ways to travel

Metro families offer: Up to three children aged 11 and under can now travel free on Metro with a fare-paying adult. This includes someone with a Gold Card.

Under 16 year olds: can get discounted travel on the metro with a POP card

Day tickets: for unlimited travel

Senior Railcard

The Senior Railcard is available to anyone aged 60 years old or over and will save you 1/3 of the cost of most rail fares to almost anywhere in Great Britain, including certain fares on various rail or sea journeys.

A one year railcard costs £30 and a three year card costs £70.

To apply, you can get an application form from railway station ticket offices or a National Rail-licensed Travel Agent. The completed form needs to be handed in together with proof of your age, such as your Birth Certificate, Passport or Driving Licence.

You can also purchase or renew your Senior Railcard online or over the phone. You will need proof of your age/identity, so have your Birth Certificate, Passport or Driving Licence to hand when you call. You can’t apply for a Senior Railcard by post.

As well as making savings on rail fares, the Senior Railcard also entitles you to other special offers, such as on London theatre tickets.

Disabled Person’s Railcard

The Disabled Person’s Railcard is available to disabled people and provides 1/3 off most rail fares across Britain for you and a companion. You can apply on their website or download an application form to return in the post.

Other useful railcards

• Veterans Railcard for those who have served for at least one day or more in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve). Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations are also eligible.
• 16-25 Railcard for anyone aged 16 to 25, or in full time study.
• 26-30 Railcard   for anyone aged 26 to 30.
• Family & Friends Railcard   for anyone travelling with one child, or more.
• Two Together Railcard  for two named adults travelling together.
• Network Railcard   for travel in the South East of England
• 16-17 Saver   for anyone aged 16 or 17.

Other Useful Information

• Day Trips and Visits article on Information Now 
• The Elders Council of Newcastle publish EC Rider , a Summer Outings leaflet with ideas and tips on days out using your concessionary travel pass.
• North East and Cumbria Hubs Mobility Advice Service   offer free advice on using public transport and and alternate travel options.

Last updated: November 10, 2023

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Useful organisations

Website: arrivabus.co.uk

Tel: 0344 800 4411

Address: ARRIVA North East Ltd , NE2 1QS

Email: [email protected]

Website: disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

Tel: 0345 605 0525

Address: Disabled Persons Railcard Office , DD11 9AN

Elders Council of Newcastle (Older People’s Forum)

Website: elderscouncil.org.uk

Tel: 0191 208 2701

Address: The Elders Council of Newcastle , NE4 5PL

Website: gonortheast.co.uk/services

Tel: 0191 420 5050

Address: Go North East , NE8 1BR

Website: nexus.org.uk

Tel: 0191 203 3333

Helpline: 0191 20 20 747

North East and Cumbria Hubs Mobility Advice Service

Website: cntw.nhs.uk/nedm

Tel: 07816 129 405

Helpline: 0191 287 5090

Address: Walkergate Park Hospital , NE6 4 UD

Website: senior-railcard.co.uk

Tel: 0345 3000 250

Address: National Railcards , LE65 9FA

Stagecoach North East – Customer Services

Website: stagecoachbus.com

Tel: 0191 566 0231

Address: Stagecoach North East , SR5 1AQ

Website: traveline.info

Tel: 0871 200 22 33

Address: Customer Services Traveline Information Ltd , WC2A 1QS

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Concessionary pass.

• Your pass entitles you to free off-peak travel on local bus services in England under the rules of the national bus concessionary travel scheme set out in the Transport Act 2000.
• Your pass also entitles you to other travel concessions on bus, train and tram (West Midlands Metro) services across the West Midlands Network area from 9.30am Monday to Friday, and anytime during the weekend or bank holidays.
• The pass is valid until the expiry date displayed on the front as long as you continue to live in the West Midlands.
• Replacement passes are available upon request, subject to specific terms and conditions as below and payment of an administration fee. All replacement passes are issued at the discretion of West Midlands Combined Authority.
• All concessionary travel passes remain the property of West Midlands Combined Authority and will be withdrawn if misused.
• Concessionary travel passes are not transferable and can only be used by the person whose name and photograph is displayed on the pass.
• The pass is not valid if it is damaged or altered in any way. If you misuse the pass, we may withdraw it and a charge will be made to replace or return the pass.
• You must show your pass to the driver, conductor or revenue inspector when requested. The pass can be taken from you for improper use.
• If you have moved out of one of the 7 districts that make up the West Midlands Combined Authority, you must let us know so you can apply for a new travel pass through your local authority.

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Free bus passes

The Concessionary Bus Pass scheme offers eligible older and disabled persons free travel on local bus services anywhere in England.

Apply for a new bus pass

Older person bus pass.

Apply for an older person bus pass.

Disabled bus pass

Apply for a disabled bus pass.

Disabled with companion bus pass

Apply for a disabled with companion bus pass.

Existing bus passes

Renew your bus pass.

Renew a bus pass that has expired or about to expire.

Lost or damaged replacement bus pass

Replace a damaged or lost bus pass.

Stolen bus pass replacement

Replace a stolen bus pass.

Bus pass is no longer needed

You can cancel a bus pass that is no longer needed.

Name or address change on bus pass

Inform us if your name or address needs changing on your bus pass.

Track your application

View the latest updates on your bus pass application online.

Additional information about bus passes

Read our additional information to find solutions to common problems.

Bus travel in Worcestershire

Find out about bus timetables, live travel updates, passes, tickets and operators.

School and college travel

Find advice on getting your child to school, apply for school and college travel and find out about the review and appeals process.

Connecta scheme (multiple use passes)

The County Connecta allows passengers unlimited journeys on any bus service across Worcestershire.

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Public Transport Concessions: Free Bus Pass, Senior Railcard and More

Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

Klara Coxill

Care Expert

Last Updated: 24/07/2024

Older adults in the UK are eligible for a variety of public transport concessions, helping save you money in the process. These include a Senior Railcard, a Disabled Persons Railcard, an Older Person’s Bus Pass and more!

Here, we’ve looked at how to get each of these discounts or freebies for older adults, along with other discounted forms of public transport you may be eligible for.

We also have an article dedicated to discounts for carers .

Where would you like to live?

Browse the best retirement homes near you through Lottie.

In this article:

• Discounts on rail travel
• Free bus pass
• Senior rail travel and bus discounts throughout the UK

London Freedom Pass

60+ london oyster photocard, discounts on rail travel.

You could be eligible for one of the following railcards that’ll get you discounts on train services, depending on your age, relationship and whether you’re classed as having a disability:

• Senior Railcard (60 years and over)

Disabled Persons Railcard

• Two Together Railcard

Both of these are discount cards. You purchase them each year for a set fee and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel.

Senior Railcard

The Senior Railcard is available for anyone aged 60 and over to buy. This costs just £30 (or £70 for three years), so will have effectively paid for itself after only a few train trips.

When using the Senior Railcard, you can expect to make average annual savings of £76, or £5.34 per journey. For example, a train from London to Liverpool goes down from around £68.60 to £45.25, while a train from Doncaster to London goes down from £32.50 to £21.45.

You can apply for one of these through the Senior Railcard website . You’ll need a valid passport or UK driving licence for ID. You can also apply in person at some of the UK’s most staffed railway stations.

If you meet any of the following criteria, you could be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard:

• You receive a disability-related benefit, such as Personal Independence Payment , Attendance Allowance or Severe Disablement Allowance
• You’re registered as deaf or you use a hearing aid
• You’re registered as having a visual impairment
• You have epilepsy

To apply for this railcard or to get more information surrounding eligibility criteria, visit the Disabled Person’s Railcard website .

Senior Railcard For Couples

Though there’s no railcard specifically aimed at older couples, the Two Together Railcard works in the same way for people of all ages. This railcard is to be used by you and a second person - both of you will be named on the railcard. They’re best used by yourself and the person you travel with most - often your partner or spouse.

When using a Two Together Railcard, you get one-third off rail fares when travelling together. It costs just £30 and leads to average savings of £153 per year (or £6.26 per journey).

For example, travelling from London to Edinburgh would typically cost around £145, but this goes down to £95.70 with a Two Together Railcard. Similarly, getting the train from York to London goes down from £88 to £58.

Apply for the Two Together Railcard through the official Railcard website .

Free Bus Pass For Over 60s

You could be eligible for one of the following free bus passes, depending on your age and whether you’re classed as having a disability:

• An older person’s bus pass
• A disabled person’s bus pass

Both of these passes will get you free travel on local buses.

It might also be worth getting in touch with individual transport operators to see if they offer any discounts. For example, National Express offer Coachcards to older (60+) or disabled customers. These cost £12.50 a year and save you a third on your travel.

Older person’s bus pass

You’ll become eligible for an older person’s bus pass when you reach the State Pension age.

Apply for your bus pass through the GOV.UK website .

Disabled person’s bus pass

Unlike an older person’s bus pass, there’s no central provider for the disabled person’s bus pass.

To find out if you’re eligible and where to apply, get in touch with your local council . All you need to do is enter your postcode and you’ll be redirected to the relevant part of your local council’s website.

We can help you find the perfect UK retirement home . Use our free service to filter by location, price, the facilities available, purchase type and more!

Senior Rail Travel and Bus Discounts Throughout the UK

English national concessionary travel scheme.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) covers senior travel discounts in England. Passes are issued locally, but give cardholders free bus travel throughout all of England. An ENCTS bus pass also allows for some free and discounted rail tickets. You must be 66 years or older to be eligible.

Learn more about or apply for an English National Concessionary Travel Pass

c2c Senior Rover Travel

c2c’s Senior Rover ticket allows unlimited one-day train travel for just £7 (or £10 when including London destinations). These are available to anyone aged 65 years and over.

Learn more about or buy a Senior Rover ticket

Greater Manchester Senior Travel Pass

Older adults can get free rail tickets in Greater Manchester between 09:30 and midnight Monday to Friday, and anytime at weekends and during public holidays. Eligibility is based on age and residency in Greater Manchester.

Check if you’re eligible and apply for a Greater Manchester Senior Travel Pass

Merseyside Senior Travel Pass

Senior citizens can get free rail tickets in Merseyside after 09:30 Monday to Friday (to avoid morning peak times), and anytime at weekends and during public holidays. Eligibility is based on age and residency in Merseyside.

Check if you’re eligible and apply for a Merseyside Senior Travel Pass

South Yorkshire Senior Travel Pass

Older adults get 50% off rail fares in South Yorkshire between 09:30 and 23:00 Monday to Friday, and anytime at weekends and during public holidays. Eligibility is based on age and residency in South Yorkshire.

Check if you’re eligible and apply for a South Yorkshire Senior Travel Pass

Tyne and Wear Senior Travel Pass

Older adults in Tyne and Wear can purchase reduced-price train tickets as well as extra discounts if they get a Metro Gold Card (£12 per year). Eligibility is based on age and residency in Tyne and Wear.

Check if you’re eligible and apply for a Tyne and Wear Senior Travel Pass

West Midlands Senior Travel Pass

Older adults get free train travel in the West Midlands between 09:30 and 23:00 Monday to Friday, and anytime at weekends and during public holidays. Eligibility is based on age and residency in the West Midlands.

Check if you’re eligible and apply for a West Midlands Senior Travel Pass

West Yorkshire Senior Travel Pass

Older adults get 50% off rail journeys within West Yorkshire after 09:30 Monday to Friday, and anytime at weekends and during public holidays. Eligibility is based on age and residency in West Yorkshire.

Check if you’re eligible for a West Yorkshire Senior Travel Pass

Scotrail Club 50

Members get a 20% discount on Off-Peak and Advance and cheaper flat-fare tickets when purchased online. These offers are available all year round to Scotrail customers aged 50 and over. Scotrail Club 50 is perfect for people who aren’t yet eligible for a Senior Railcard.

Get a Scotrail Club 50 membership

National Entitlement Card (NEC)

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) allows older adults in Scotland to receive travel discounts. Anyone living in Scotland can access discounted travel schemes throughout the country. To be eligible, you must also be 60 years or over.

Get a Scottish 60+ National Entitlement Card

Edinburgh and Glasgow over 60s rail discounts

Scotland’s two largest cities offer the following rail travel discounts:

• Glasgow - Discounted rail tickets on journeys within Strathclyde and Glasgow Subway
• Edinburgh - Free tram journeys in Edinburgh

There are also reduced train fares for 60+ NEC holders in other parts of Scotland.

Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

In Wales, travel discounts for older adults are covered by the Welsh Government Concessionary Travel Scheme. This offers free bus travel throughout Wales to people aged 60 and over, as well as some free and discounted rail tickets.

Apply for a Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

The following free and discounted rail travel is available to Welsh Concessionary Travel Scheme holders:

• Cardiff and Valleys Line
• Conwy Valley Line
• Wrexham to Hawarden Bridge
• Cambrian Coast
• Heart of Wales Line

Learn more about discounted senior travel in Wales

Northern Ireland

60 plus smartpass.

You’re eligible if aged between 60 and 64 while being a permanent Northern Ireland resident. A 60 Plus SmartPass entitles you to free bus and rail travel throughout the country.

Apply for a 60 Plus SmartPass

Senior SmartPass

This is aimed at permanent Northern Ireland residents over 65. They entitle you to free bus and rail travel throughout the country, along with free cross-border rail travel all along the Belfast to Dublin line.

Apply for a Senior SmartPass

London Freedom Passes allow London residents to travel around the city for free, including on trams, National Rail services, the Underground, river services and buses, as well as free local bus journeys nationally.

If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you:

• You’ve reached the State Pension age (in this case, you’ll be eligible for an Older Person’s Freedom Pass)
• You have a disability (in this case, you’ll be eligible for a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass)

You can travel for free on TfL (Transport for London) services with an Older Person’s Freedom Pass from 09:00 on weekdays and anytime on weekends and bank holidays. A Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass allows you to travel at any time on TfL services.

To learn more about the London Freedom Pass or to apply for it, visit the London Councils Freedom Pass webpage .

Apply for an Older Person’s Freedom Pass

Apply for a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass

If you’re over 60 but under the State Pension age and you live in any London borough, you can get a special Oyster card for free travel in the city on several different rail services.

Many people get a 60+ London Oyster Photocard before they’re entitled to a Freedom Pass. If you’re eligible for a Freedom Pass, you can’t get a 60+ London Oyster Photocard.

This costs £20 and gives free travel on:

• The London Overground
• TfL (Transport for London) Rail

As well as all London Overground and TfL Rail services, you can also use the 60+ London Oyster Photocard on certain National Rail services on the following lines:

• Chiltern Railways
• Great Northern
• Greater Anglia
• Southeastern

You can learn more about the 60+ London Oyster Photocard and make an application through their webpage on Transport for London .

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Transport concessions

You may be eligible for some benefits and concessions to help with the extra costs of travelling as a disabled person.

Why concessions are important

Schemes you may be eligible for, get support.

Scope estimates that households with at least one disabled adult or child face an extra £975 in living costs per month (Scope, 2023). We are also twice as likely to be unemployed (Department for Work and Pensions, 2023) and twelve percentage points more likely to live in poverty than non-disabled people (Joseph Rowntree Foundation , 2022). This means that, as well as incurring higher transport costs, disabled people have significantly less income to pay for it, making financial barriers even more prohibitive.  

There are a range of national and regional schemes and concessions available across public transport and car use. There are also some benefits and entitlements to help with costs of personal mobility. However, our research suggests there are significant barriers to obtaining the se , and they do not go far enough to adequately meet the extra costs we face.

Read more about financial barriers to transport and the work we’re doing to improve transport concessions.  

There are many regional and local transport concessionary schemes across the country which aren’t listed here. Contact us for up to date information.

Disabled Person’s Bus Pass (granted under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme) 

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme is run by the Department for Transport in conjunction with local authorities across England. P assengers aged over 65 and disabled passengers across England have been entitled to travel free of charge on any off-peak local bus service in England since 2007.  

The scope of the schemes can vary depending on where you live. In some areas, such as Greater Manchester, local concession passes allow disabled people to travel for free on local buses, trams and trains (with some time restrictions depending on the pass held), but do not include the cost of a carer’s ticket. The MerseyRail pass for disabled people provides free travel on local buses, trams, trains and ferries, with no time restrictions. Elsewhere, East Sussex provide a carer pass for some companions of disabled people, but their local pass is for buses only and to travel at off-peak times. In London the scheme is known as the Disabled Persons Freedom Pass, and grants free travel on buses, the London Underground, the London Overground, DLR, trams, and most local rail services. Contact us for more detailed information about different areas.  

Eligibility

If you are a disabled person, you can get a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass in England if:  

• you’re blind or partially sighted, deaf or unable to speak  
• you can’t walk very far because of a disability, illness or injury  
• you don’t have arms or can’t use your arms  
• you have a severe learning disability  
• you’ve been refused a driving licence because of your health (but not because of problems with drugs or alcohol)  

Application

You need to check with your local council to find out who issues disabled bus passes in your area as part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme. You can do so by searching your postcode on the Government website for more details.

Disabled persons railcard

Disabled persons railcard    .

The Disabled Persons Railcard will entitle both you and an adult companion to one third off most rail fares throughout the UK. Currently, the charges are £20 for a single year or £54 for three years. Please note that if you are a wheelchair user or visually impaired, you may not need a railcard to receive a discount on National Rail – please see below.  

Eligibility    

You are automatically eligible if you:   

• Are registered as having a visual impairment
• Are registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
• Have epilepsy
• Receive Attendance Allowance
• Receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
• Receive higher rate Disability Living Allowance at either: the higher rate or lower rate for getting around (mobility); or the higher or middle rate for help with personal care
• Receive Severe Disablement Allowance
• Receive War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
• Receive War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability
• Are buying or leasing a vehicle through the Motability scheme  

Application    

• You can apply for the Disabled Persons Railcard online  
• You can also get a paper form from rail station ticket offices  
• You will need to provide proof of your disability    
• You will need to make payment at the time of application   
• You will receive your railcard in the post once all the checks are complete, or you can get a digital card if you have a smart phone  

Other discounts  

Wheelchair users and registered visually impaired passengers do not need a Railcard to receive a discount on single fares and return fares. This applies to Anytime fares only. Sometimes, this discount can work out better than a discount offered by using your Railcard and also applies to a carer travelling with you.    

To qualify for this discount:   

• Wheelchair users must remain in their wheelchairs for the the journey   
• Visually impaired people must be accompanied. You may also be asked to prove your visual impairment from a ‘recognised institution’.  

Ask for a D50 or D34 ticket if the rail staff do not know which tickets to give you.  

Local use  

Disabled Persons Railcard holders may be able to get cheaper local fares. For example, Londoners can register a Railcard discount onto an Oyster card to get 1/3 off Oyster pay as you go single fares and daily caps on National Rail, London Underground and Docklands Light Railway services. You need to ask a member of staff at a London Underground, Overground or National rail station in London to set up the discount for you.

For more information:  

Visit the Disabled Persons Railcard website     

Tel: 0345 605 0525 Email: [email protected]  

Access to work

Access to work    .

Access to Work is a publicly funded employment support programme aiming to support disabled people to start or stay in work. Access to work provides financial support for people with long-term physical or mental health conditions.   

Types of financial support you can get with transport to work:    

• You can get money towards any extra travel costs to and from work if you can’t use available public transport, such as taxi fares if you cannot use public transport to get to work   
• You can get money towards adapting your vehicle   
• A wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility aid
• A support worker:   
• A reader for somebody with a visual impairment    
• A Communicator for a D/deaf person   
• A Specialist job coach for a person with a learning disability   
• A helper for personal care needs at work   
• Specialist equipment (or alterations to existing equipment) to suit your particular needs   

Eligibility:    

You can apply for Access to Work if you:   

• are normally resident in, and working in the UK   
• have a disability or long-term health condition that means you need an aid, adaptation or financial or human support to do your job    
• have a mental health condition and need support in work   
• are aged 16 or over   

You must also:   

• already be doing paid work   
• be about to start work or become self-employed   
• have an interview for a job   
• be about to begin a work trial or start work experience under the Youth Contract arranged through Jobcentre Plus   

You can apply for Access to Work online or by phone.  

You’ll need to provide:   

• your workplace address and postcode   
• the name of a workplace contact who can authorise your Access to Work payments   
• your workplace contact’s email address or work phone number   
• your unique tax reference number (if you’re self-employed)   

You’ll need to explain:  

• how your condition affects you at work or getting to work   
• what help you’re already getting   
• what else could help you   
• It will help your application if you’ve spoken to your employer about reasonable adjustments before you apply for Access to Work.   

For more information:

Access to Work factsheet

Tel: 0800 121 7479     

Blue Badge    

The Blue Badge scheme is a scheme that entitles disabled people to additional parking rights. You do not have to be a driver or own a car to obtain a Blue Badge. The scheme allows you to park closer to your destination if you are disabled.   

Automatic eligibility    

You will automatically get a Blue Badge if you fulfil any of the following criteria:  

England    

• You receive 8 points or more under the “moving around” activity of the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or have the higher rate for the Mobility component of Disability Living Allowance  
• You are registered blind (severely sight impaired)   
• You receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement   
• You have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1-8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking   
• You receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress   

Scotland    

• You are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team   
• You are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired   
• You get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance   
• You get the Personal Independence Payment and scored:   
•  8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ area of your assessment, and/or   
•  12 points or more in the ‘planning and following a journey’ area of your assessment   
• You get Personal Independence Payment and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance on an indefinite or lifetime basis   
• You get Personal Independence Payment, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, and your Personal Independence Payment decision is being appealed   
• You get the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement   
• You got a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability   
• You receive the Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)   
• You receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at the following levels:   
• 12 points for Planning and Following a Journey    
• 8 points or more for moving around    
• You receive the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Tariff 1-8 (inclusive) and includes Permanent Mental Disorder under Tariff 6   
• You receive the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement  
• You are registered blind or have a severe sight impairment   
• You receive tariff level 6 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme for a permanent mental disorder  

Northern Ireland    

Note: Please note that the application process for the Blue Badge differs for Northern Ireland. Please visit the Northern Ireland Government services website for information and application.

• You receive the higher rate of the mobility part of Disability Living Allowance  
• You receive a War Pension Mobility Supplement  
• You receive a benefit under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme within tariff levels one to eight (inclusive) and have been certified by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) as having a permanent impairment which causes inability to walk or a lot of difficulty walking  
• You are registered blind  
• You receive eight points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity for the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)  
• You drive a vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms and are unable to operate, or have a lot of difficulty operating, all or some types of parking meter  
• You have a permanent disability which means you cannot walk or have a lot of difficulty walking – in this case your doctor may be asked to confirm your eligibility  

Non-Automatic eligibility    

People who may be issued with a badge after further assessment are those who are more than two years old and fall within one or more of the following descriptions:   

• You drive a vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms and are unable to operate, or have considerable difficulty in operating, all or some types of parking meters  
• You have a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking   
• You find walking very difficult due to pain, breathlessness or the time it takes   
• You have a terminal illness, which means you cannot walk or find walking very difficult and have a DS1500 form   
• You are constantly a significant risk to yourself or others near vehicles, in traffic or car parks  
• You struggle severely to plan or follow a journey  
• You find it difficult or impossible to control your actions and lack awareness of the impact you could have on others  
• You regularly have intense and overwhelming responses to situations causing temporary loss of behavioural control  
• You frequently become extremely anxious or fearful of public/open spaces  

In addition, children under the age of three may be eligible for a badge if they fall within either or both of the following descriptions:   

• A child who, on account of a condition, must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around with the child without great difficulty;   
• A child who, on account of a condition, must always be kept near a motor vehicle so that, if necessary, treatment for that condition can be given in the vehicle or the child can be taken quickly in the vehicle to a place where such treatment can be given   

Your council will assess your eligibility for a Blue Badge.  They cannot start the assessment process until they have all the necessary evidence, which may take 12 weeks or more.   

Blue badge holders are exempt from the congestion charge.   

You can apply for the exemption on Transport for London’s website .    

You can apply for or renew your Blue Badge online on the Government website. Some councils also let you apply on a paper form – please contact your local council to check.   

If are applying under non-automatic eligibility criteria, you will need to fill out an additional part of the application form online. You will need to provide supporting evidence and explain on what grounds you are applying for a Blue Badge.   

You will also need to provide a proof of ID and address, as well as your National Insurance Number.

• Blue Badge Guidance
• Apply for a Blue Badge

Motability scheme

The motability scheme.

The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to use their mobility allowances to obtain a car, powered wheelchair or scooter plus insurance, servicing, tyre replacement, and breakdown cover. Adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles are available.   

Most Motability members choose to pay a monthly fee to hire a new car every three years with insurance, road tax, servicing, tyres and breakdown cover included. If you are accepted onto the scheme, you will be asked to pay all, or part, of your allowance to Motability for the period of the hire agreement.   

Almost half of the customers on the Contract Hire Car Scheme simply transfer their allowance to Motability, for the period of the agreement, without any additional payment. However, if you opt for a large or expensive vehicle you may have to pay more. Motability may also be able to offer financial help to assist with such needs as the cost of the advance payment for a suitable car, adaptations, driving lessons or a wheelchair accessible vehicle.     

You are eligible if you receive either:   

• The Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)   
• The Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)   

Please visit the contact page of Motability to find out more information about available vehicles, adaptations and services.

Visit Motability’s website     

Phone: 0300 456 4566   

Specialist Minicom equipment users – textphone number on: 0300 037 0100    

You can also speak to motability via BSL interpreter

Do you need help with applying for transport concessions, or appealing against a decision? Contact us today.

Related pages

How we can help you

Find out more about how our disabled-led advice service can help you.

Current laws and guidance

Here's an overview of the laws and regulations that exist to promote equal access to transport services for disabled people.

Learn more about the financial barriers to transport that disabled people face, and the cycle of transport poverty.

We can't do this without your support. Take action, give what you can, or sign up as a member - and join our movement of disabled people fighting for a better future.

Apply for a free bus pass

How to apply or renew.

You can apply for a national concessionary travel pass if you have either:

• reached the State Pension age
• have an eligible disability

There is no charge to apply for or renew an older person or disability bus pass.

If moving out of our area please return your bus pass to the address printed on the reverse with a cover note stating this. You must then re-apply to the local authority in the area you are moving to.

The data you have provided may be disclosed for the purposes of preventing and detecting fraudulent activity . 

Apply for or renew an older person bus pass

If you encounter any problems with the portal or in uploading your photo, please email [email protected] .

Apply for or renew a disability bus pass

Please note the bus pass system is separate to our council website and requires its own login information.

These passes allow you free travel on off-peak scheduled bus services in England. They also allow you free local journeys before 9.30am for journeys originating in Lincolnshire.

You can use your bus pass on all local bus services in England but not on the following types of non-standard service:

• services where most seats can be reserved (for example, National Express or other long distance services)
• rail replacement services
• park and ride services
• coach excursions and tours
• taxis and private hire cars
• certain seasonal services
• community transport schemes

Your pass will not be valid in other countries including Scotland and Wales.

We will send you your pass within 10 working days. At peak times this may take longer.

Contact concessionary fares team

Telephone: 0345 4564474

Email: [email protected]

County catch-up

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Concessionary bus travel: guidance for local authorities

Guidance for local authorities on reimbursing bus operators and assessing passengers' eligibility for concessionary travel.

These documents provide guidance to local authorities on the national bus concession in England. They explain how local authorities should:

• assess passengers’ eligibility for concessionary bus travel
• reimburse bus operators for concessionary passengers
• 8 June 2016
• 18 February 2016
• 27 March 2024
• 5 January 2024
• 4 April 2013
• 20 December 2017
• Research and analysis
• Independent report

Updates to this page

Added two research reports.

Guidance on concessionary travel note on eligibility added to collection.

Concessionary travel smartcard permit administration guidance for local authorities in England published.

First published.

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