Concessionary fares

Free bus travel scheme for over 60s and disabled residents

From 1 April 2006 we will be providing those aged 60 years or above and disabled residents with free bus travel within the Plymouth city boundary.

60 years and over and eligible disabled residents

Free bus travel for over 60s and disabled residents within the city boundary from 9.30am to 11pm Monday to Friday, and any time at weekends and bank holidays. Pass holders travelling before 9.30am Monday to Friday will be charged the commercial fares set by the bus operator, as there will be no concession before this time.

80 years and over and registered blind residents

Free bus travel for over 80s and registered blind residents all day until 11pm Monday to Friday and any time at weekends and bank holidays. We are offering this in addition to the statutory minimum.

Ring and ride

In addition to the above, free travel on ring and ride services run by Plymouth shopmobility and community transport will also be provided for eligible residents. We are offering this in addition to the statutory minimum. For further information and to find out if you are eligible please ring 01752 600633 or go to the Plymouth shopmobility and community transport website.

Residents who already hold a Plymouth City Council Concessionary bus pass

Existing bus pass holders will not need to re-apply for a new pass. The following passes will continue to be valid in accordance with the above:

• Orange saver pass
• Lower rate pass
• Over 80 free bus travel pass
• White free pass (issued to those registered blind)
• Temporary disability pass

Eligible residents who do not currently hold a pass, but would like one should refer to the section below headed 'how to get the free bus pass' for further information.

Current countywide and devonwide pass holders

These schemes will be completely withdrawn for Plymouth residents due to the substantial costs associated with the new scheme within the city. Bus travel outside of Plymouth City Council’s administrative boundary will be charged at the bus operator’s commercial fares.

How to get the free bus pass

(remember existing concessionary pass holders do not need to reapply for this new scheme)

• Eligible residents who do not currently hold a pass but would like one, can apply in person to the main reception on the Ground Floor of the Civic Centre Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm.
• Proof of eligibility and residency within the city must be produced.
• Only applicants with a temporary disability, such as epilepsy or any other disability/condition where the circumstances could change within 12 months, need to provide a photograph.
• You must come in yourself, as it is not possible to issue a pass to someone on your behalf.
• We reserve the right to invalidate all passes and re-issue passes in the future, primarily as an anti-fraud measure.

Please call the Public Transport Team on 01752 307790 or email us for further information.

Proof of identification for new applicants

(remember existing concessionary pass holders do not need to re-apply for this new scheme)

In addition to proof of residency in the city, new applicants need to provide the following documentation:

• Residents aged 60 and over need to produce a passport, or birth certificate, or driving licence.
• Applicants with learning difficulties, sight or hearing loss/impairment, registered blind, or without speech need to provide Form SS310 from social services or a letter from their doctor or a medical consultant confirming their disability.
• Applicants who are mobility impaired need to produce their disability living allowance order book showing the high rate mobility component, or a letter from their doctor or a medical consultant stating that walking is permanently/severely impaired.
• Disabled ex-service personnel need to provide proof of DSS certificate of pension above 80%.
• Anyone unable to drive for medical reasons needs to produce a letter from their doctor or medical consultant or Form D206 or D235 from DVLA Swansea.
• Applicants without use of both arms need to provide a letter from their doctor or a medical consultant stating this if the disability is not evident.

Anyone unable to obtain a letter from their doctor or medical consultant should contact the Public Transport Team on 01752 307790 for assistance or email us. If you would like this document in large print, braille or another language, please call 01752 307790.

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