What is the English Concessionary Travel Scheme?
From 1 April 2008 people living in England who are aged 60 and over, and
eligible disabled people, will be able to use their new England-wide passes
which entitle them to free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in
England. The statutory minimum time period to which this applies is Monday to
Friday, from 9.30am to 11pm and any time at weekends and bank holidays. Local
authorities may offer extra benefits to their residents as part of their
concessionary scheme – for example, free or reduced off-peak tram or rail
travel, or free bus travel before 9.30am Monday to Friday; details should be
checked with the local authority.
Further information can be found at:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/PublicTransport/BusAndCoachTravel/DG_071640
Which bus services on Transport Direct are included in the English Concessionary
Travel Scheme?
The scheme applies to off-peak journeys on almost all services in England
described on this site as “bus”. We hope to indicate where this is not the case
as more information about exclusions becomes available. For journeys shown as
“coach”, passengers are advised to check details costs and associated issues in
advance with the operator. For example if the service requires pre-booking, a
booking fee may still be charged. Most long-distance coach services are not
included in the scheme, although coach operators such as National Express
already have special fares for the over-60's so please check with the
operator.
What is the Scottish Concessionary Travel Scheme?
Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel started on 1st April 2006 and allows anyone aged
over 60 and eligible disabled people, to travel free on both local registered
services and long distance bus services within Scotland. There are no peak-time
restrictions.
To take advantage of this free bus travel you need to have a National
Entitlement Card. Only a small number of services will not recognise the card,
for example premium fare buses and City Sightseeing buses.
Further information can be found at:
http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/concessionarytravel
What is the Welsh Concessionary Travel Scheme?
The Welsh Assembly Government provides financial support to enable local
authorities in Wales to provide freetravel on registered local bus services for
residents of Wales aged over 60 years and disabled of any age. Italso provides
free travel on local buses by companions to disabled persons.
The scheme operates across Wales and concessionary pass holders can travel free
at any time of day.
Further information can be found at:
http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/transport/IntegratedTransport/concessionaryTravel/concessionFares1/?lang=en
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