Applying For A Bus Pass

Who can get an older person's bus pass?

• In England, you can get a free bus pass when you reach the State Pension age.
• In London, if you are 60 or over, you can use the buses and tubes free.
• In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, you can apply for a bus pass when you turn 60.

How to apply

• You need to apply through your local council.
• If you live in England or Wales you can apply here.
• If you live in Scotland you can apply here.
• If you live in Northern Ireland, find out how to apply here.

Who can get a disabled person's bus pass?

• Under the Equality Act UK (2010), disability is defined by an impairment that impacts your mental and physical abilities differently to most people. If this applies to you then you can apply for a disabled bus pass.
• You can automatically get a bus pass if:
  • You get the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for mobility.
  • You have at least 8 points in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for “moving around” or “communicating verbally.”
  • You get War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement.

How to apply and how it is assessed

• In England, contact your local council to find out who gives out disabled bus passes.
• The local council's travel concession authority will decide if you can get a bus pass.
• You may need extra assessments if you don’t get the benefits mentioned above.
• In Wales, apply for a Concessionary Travel Card here.
• In Scotland, apply for a disabled bus pass here.
• In Northern Ireland, find information about free and discounted bus and rail passes here.

In England and Wales a child aged 16 or under can apply for free transport if they:

• Cannot walk to school due to their SEN (Special Educational Needs) or mobility problems.
• Are under 8 and lives more than 2 miles away from their school.
• Are over 8 and lives more than 3 miles away from their school.
• Have no walking route between where they live and their school that is safe for them.
• Are in a low income families. For example, if the child receives free school meals or the family claim the highest Working Tax Credit.

How to apply

• If you live in England contact your local council to apply for free school transport.
• If you live in Wales contact your local council to enquire about free school transport.
• You can also ask the council if they provide support to children over 16.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

• In Scotland all young people and children aged 5-21 years old can apply for a card to access the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel Scheme.
• In Northern Ireland you can apply for help with school transport here.