Full list of people eligible for a free bus pass | Personal Finance | Finance
Free bus travel is available across the UK, but only certain groups qualify for it. Your age and personal circumstances will determine whether you’re eligible for a free bus pass.
This scheme aims to help those who may struggle with transport costs. There are two types of free bus passes in the UK, both valid for local bus services: passes for older people and passes for disabled individuals.
But who exactly is eligible for these passes and how do you apply?
Elderly person’s bus pass
Older people in England can get their bus pass when they reach State Pension age, currently 66 for both women and men. However, in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, applications can be made from age 60, reports Plymouth Live.
London residents can also get free bus travel from 60 through the 60+ London Oyster photocard available on the TFL website, which includes free travel on trains and other public transport services.
Age UK suggests that other areas might offer travel discounts for those over 60. “It’s a good idea to check with your local council to see what help is available,” the charity recommends.
For more information about applying for the older person’s bus pass, visit the Government website here.
Disabled person’s bus pass
In England, there isn’t a centralised provider for disabled person’s bus passes. To determine eligibility and submit an application, you’ll need to contact your local council.
You can apply for a disabled person’s bus pass on GOV.UK by checking with your local council. The general criteria in England for a disabled person’s bus pass is if you’re aged five or over and you:
- Are profoundly or severely deaf
- Are severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted)
- 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
- 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
Your condition will need to be permanent or last at least 12 months. If you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, the application process varies slightly.
More information can be found online here.
