National concessionary bus pass

The age of eligibility for a bus pass is changing

From 6 April 2010 the changes introduced by government to equalise pensioner benefits for men and women will affect the date you can apply for a national bus pass.

This means the date a person is eligible for a bus pass will vary and is dependent on the month you are born. The pensionable age will not fall on your birthday.

The government decided that this would be the fairest method, rather than introduce a one-off rise which would leave those currently close to retirement age facing a full five year delay.

To check the date on which you are eligible for a national bus pass please read the age of eligibility document below.

The scheme

In April 2008 the Plymouth entitlement for free local bus travel was extended to allow free local bus travel in every area of England. This means that whether using the bus locally, or when visiting other parts of England, concessionary pass holders are able to travel for free.

Your pass will still be subject to time restrictions, which may vary slightly across England and will not be valid on long distance coaches such as National Express.

• Pensionable age and eligible disabled residents - free bus travel for people of pensionable age and disabled residents 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.
• 80 years and over and registered blind residents - free bus travel in Plymouth 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. Please note: outside of Plymouth your pass will not be valid until 9.30am Monday to Friday.

In addition to the above, free travel on ring and ride services run by Access Plymouth 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 visit the Access Plymouth website.

Further information

• How do I apply for a national concessionary bus pass?
• How do I know if I am eligible for a national concessionary bus pass?

For the answers to questions about the national concessionary bus pass please visit our frequently asked questions page.

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