People are being urged to check if they are eligible for a free bus pass as some qualify automatically but may not realise it.
Free bus travel is available in the UK but only to specific groups of people. Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be entitled to a free pass.
This scheme is available to help certain people who might otherwise find it difficult to get around, without worrying about the cost. There are two types of free bus passes in the UK, which can be used on local buses.
These are an older person’s bus pass and a disabled person’s bus pass, reports the Express. Here we have outlined who qualifies for these schemes and how you can apply.
In England you can get an older person’s bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is 66. However, in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, you can apply for this pass once you reach 60. More details are below.
Get all the latest money news and budgeting tips from Chronicle Live with our free newsletter
Older person’s bus pass
The Government website explains that in England you can get an older person’s bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men. However, in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, you can apply for this pass once you reach 60.
If you live in London you can also get bus travel for free 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 advises that 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,” the charity says. For more information on how to apply for the older person’s bus pass visit gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass.
Disabled person's bus pass
In England there is 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.
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.
Join our WhatsApp communities
ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.
We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community
Join our Court & Crime community
Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community
Join our Northumberland community
