03 September 2010Q. What is the new National Bus Concession?
A. Since 1 April 2006, eligible bus users have been guaranteed a minimum of free off-peak local bus travel within the local authority area in which they live. But from 1 April 2008, the new National Bus Concession enabled eligible users to get free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.
Q. Who’s eligible for the new concession?
A. If you’re aged 60 or over, or eligible disabled and live in England, you’re eligible.
Q. When exactly is off-peak travel?
A. Kent wide off peak hours are 9am until 11pm Monday to Friday, and all day weekends and bank holidays.
Q. What is the definition of a ‘local’ bus?
A. The definition of a ‘local’ bus will be self-evident in most cases, but in a few instances could include some longer distance buses and coach services where part of their route is registered as a local bus service. If in doubt, pass holders can check with the service operator or local authority that issued the pass.
Q. Will I be able to enjoy free travel everywhere within the UK?
A. No, the concession will only apply within England.
Q. Is it only applicable to buses?
A. The new concession applies just to bus travel but some authorities offer additional services like trains or trams or travel before 9am.
Q. If I visit an area that offers additional services, will I be entitled to them?
A. Probably not. As a general rule, local authorities will only provide additional services for their own residents. Some authorities, however, may provide them – check with the relevant authority in the area to which you intend to travel.
Q. I don’t live in London, but I visit relatives there occasionally. Will I be able to enjoy the same benefits as a Freedom Pass holder if I travel there?
A. No. Because those benefits are paid for by the London authorities, only London Freedom Pass holders will be able to enjoy additional local travel on the tube, trains and trams. You will, however, be able to enjoy the statutory national concession of free off-peak bus travel when visiting the capital.
Q. How do I get a concessionary travel pass?
A. It depends on your local authority. Sevenoaks District Council will be upgrading passes automatically , if we have already contacted you to advise you that you fall into the category, you won't need to do a thing.
Sevenoaks District Council has already written to their residents asking them to return application forms. If you have received one, make sure you return it promptly to ensure you receive your new pass in good time. As part of the application you will need to prove your eligibility, that you are a permanent resident within the Sevenoaks District Council area and supply a recent passport-style photograph for your new pass.
Q. Do I need to get a new pass if I’m not planning to travel outside my local area?
A: If you are outside Greater London you must get a new pass to ensure that you are able to access free bus services across England from 1 April 2008. Without a new style pass, you won't be entitled to any free travel on the buses outside your area.
Q. What will my pass look like?
A. There will be two new types of bus passes. A pass with a blue strip down the right-hand side is for those aged 60 and over. The pass with an orange strip down the right-hand side is for eligible disabled people. Examples are shown below:
Concessionary pass for those aged 60 and over:
View a larger version of the concessionary pass for those aged 60 and over. (
JPEG Image 35KB file details)
Concessionary pass for eligible disabled people:
View a larger version of the concessionary pass for eligible disabled people. ( JPEG Image 34KB file details)
Q. When will people receive their new passes?
A. Once we have received your completed application form, along with proof of eligibility, that you are a permanent resident of this area and your age. We also need an up to date passport photograph, then you should receive your new bus pass within 10 working days.
Q. I’m finding all the differences in the different schemes confusing, what do I really need to know?
A. The new national pass entitles you to free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England. This is the only service that is guaranteed.
