Times, areas and services frequently asked questions

• What happens before 9.30am and after 11pm weekdays?
• Why do other areas (eg Devon and Cornwall) get different concessions?
• Why do I have a free pass but no bus service?
• Can I use my pass in Wales or Scotland?
• How can I get information on bus services?
• How far can I travel?
• What happens if the bus doesn’t turn up?
• What happens if the bus driver is rude?
• What happens if I am unhappy about the bus service in general?
• Why can’t I travel at other times?
• Will I be able to travel on National Express/rail services/taxis/underground/ferry?
• Can I use my concessionary pass on community transport services?
• What bus services can I use the pass on?
• Can I use my pass on park and ride buses?

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What happens before 9.30am and after 11pm weekdays?

Unless you are a Plymouth resident who is over 80 or registered blind you will have to pay the full commercial fares on the bus.

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Why do other areas (eg Devon and Cornwall) get different concessions?

Every local authority area responsible for concessionary bus travel can offer enhancements beyond the legal minimum. The cost of such enhancements has to be paid for by that local authority.

We currently spend around £4.2 million a year in delivering concessionary fares. This uses all the money received from central government. Any additions beyond the legal minimum would require more funding.

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Why do I have a free pass but no bus service?

Since 1985 bus services have been deregulated and are largely provided at the discretion of commercial bus companies. There is no obligation on either the council or any particular bus operator to operate bus services.

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Can I use my pass in Wales or Scotland?

No. There is presently no cross boundary arrangement between countries.

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How can I get information on bus services?

Information on bus services, timetables and journey planning can be found by ringing Traveline on 0871 200 2233, or by visiting the Traveline website.

Information regarding fares can be found by ringing the bus company direct

• Plymouth Citybus Ltd 01752 222221
• First Devon and Cornwall Ltd 0845 6001420
• Target Travel 01752 242000
• Stagecoach Devon Ltd 01392 427711
• Taxifast 01752 602500
• Western Greyhound 01637 871871
• Plymouth Shopmobility Ring and Ride 01752 600633

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How far can I travel?

You can travel on any registered local bus services between 9.30am and 11pm weekdays. Registered local bus services exclude services such at National Express and Tour buses.

You can travel to the extent of any local bus service. From Plymouth there are bus services that go to Barnstable, Torquay, Exeter and Truro.

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What happens if the bus doesn’t turn up?

Bus operators have to register a bus service with the Traffic Commissioner. The definition of a late (or early) bus service is that which is 5 minutes late and 1 minute early. Bus operators and the Council try very hard to ensure that bus services operate on time, however sometimes things do go wrong.

If you want to complain about a bus service please contact the relevant bus company with information regarding time, location, date, service etc.

• Plymouth Citybus Ltd 01752 222221
• First Devon and Cornwall Ltd 0845 6001420
• Target Travel 01752 242000
• Stagecoach Devon Ltd 01392 427711
• Taxifast 01752 602500
• Western Greyhound 01637 871871
• Plymouth Shopmobility Ring and Ride 01752 600633

If you are not happy with how the bus company has dealt with your complaint you may like to contact Bus Users UK (an independent appeal body) at Bus Users UK, PO Box 2950, Stoke on Trent, ST4 9EW, telephone 01782 442 855, fax 01782 442856 or email enquiries@bususers.org.

The Public Transport Team of the City Council is always pleased to receive a copy of any correspondence for monitoring purposes.

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What happens if the bus driver is rude?

Bus drivers have a hard job, however there is no excuse for being rude.

If you want to complain please contact the bus company with information regarding time, location, date, service etc.

• Plymouth Citybus Ltd 01752 222221
• First Devon and Cornwall Ltd 0845 6001420
• Target Travel 01752 242000
• Stagecoach Devon Ltd 01392 427711
• Taxifast 01752 602500
• Western Greyhound 01637 871871
• Plymouth Shopmobility Ring and Ride01752 600633

If you are not happy with how the bus company has dealt with your complaint you may like to contact Bus Users UK (an independent appeal body) at Bus Users UK, PO Box 2950, Stoke on Trent, ST4 9EW, telephone 01782 442 855, fax 01782 442856 or email enquiries@bususers.org.

The Public Transport Team of the City Council is always pleased to receive a copy of any correspondence for monitoring purposes.

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What happens if I am unhappy about the bus service in general?

There are many things that bus companies and the City Council would like to do to improve public transport within the city. Feedback regarding possible improvements and services is always invaluable.

In the first instance please contact the relevant bus company direct:

• Plymouth Citybus Ltd 01752 222221
• First Devon and Cornwall Ltd 0845 6001420
• Target Travel 01752 242000
• Stagecoach Devon Ltd 01392 427711
• Taxifast 01752 602500
• Western Greyhound 01637 871871
• Plymouth Shopmobility Ring and Ride 01752 600633

To contact the council please telephone 01752 304502 or email us.

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Why can’t I travel at other times?

The legal minimum timescales are detailed within the Concessionary Bus Travel Bill. Local Authorities can offer extensions where they wish.

We offer extensions to include free travel for over 80’s and the registered blind before 9.30am weekdays and free travel for eligible residents on Plymouth Shopmobility and Community Transport's Ring and Ride services.

We expect to spend approximately £5 million a year in delivering concessionary bus travel from 2008 to 2009. The total costs of delivering concessionary travel are not fully covered by Central Government and therefore additional enhancements and extended times would cost the council more money and have a bad affect on Council budgets.

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Will I be able to travel on National Express/rail services/taxis/underground/ferry?

No. You can only get free travel on registered local bus services as defined by the Transport Act 1985.

Registered Taxibus services are eligible for free travel as are Ring and Ride services operated by Plymouth Shopmobility and Community Transport.

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Can I use my concessionary pass on community transport services?

The only community transport service eligible for free travel is Plymouth Shopmobility and Community Transport’s Ring and Ride services.

For more information please contact Plymouth Shopmobility Ring and Ride 01752 600633.

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What bus services can I use the pass on?

You can use your pass on all registered local bus services across England.

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Can I use my pass on park and ride buses?

Yes, after 9.30am on weekdays and at any time on weekends and bank holidays. Bus passes are not always accepted on park and ride sevices for special events eg pop concerts.

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