Complete list of everyone automatically eligible for free UK bus pass | Personal Finance | Finance

Complimentary bus travel exists across the UK – though eligibility is restricted to particular groups. Based on your age or personal situation, you may qualify for a free bus pass.

The initiative has been designed to assist certain people who may struggle with mobility, while removing financial barriers to travel. Two categories of concessionary bus passes are available throughout the UK for use on local bus services. These comprise a senior citizen’s bus pass and a disabled person’s bus pass.

But what are the precise eligibility criteria and application procedures?

Older person’s bus pass

According to the Government website, English residents become eligible for a senior citizen’s bus pass upon reaching State Pension age, presently set at 66 for both genders.

Conversely, in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, applications can be submitted from age 60. London residents can similarly access complimentary bus travel at 60 through the 60+ London Oyster photocard via the TFL website, which extends to trains and additional public transport modes.

Age UK highlights that certain regions may provide travel concessions for those aged over 60. “It’s a good idea to check with your local council to see what help is available,” the charity says.

Further details regarding applications for the senior citizen’s bus pass can be found at gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass. 

Disabled person’s bus pass

In England, there isn’t a centralised provider for the disabled person’s bus pass. To determine your eligibility and to apply, you’ll need to contact your local council.

You can locate your local council and apply for a disabled person’s bus pass via GOV.UK. The general criteria for a disabled person’s bus pass in England are as follows, you must be at least five years old and either:

• 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 reside in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, the application process varies slightly. You can find more information at gov.uk/apply-for-disabled-bus-pass.