Temporary changes to the Plymouth concession travel scheme

National bus pass holders in Plymouth will be allowed to travel on local services for free at any time of day from Thursday 19 March.

The bus pass is normally not valid until 9.30am on weekdays but the Council is temporarily removing all time restrictions. This so that older people can take advantage of the early opening arrangements many shops are offering during the coronavirus outbreak, should they need to do so.

In addition to the above measures special arrangements are being put in place for holders of disabled persons concessionary bus passes expiring on or before 31^st August 2020. Given the closure of a number of our customer facing offices, we will be renewing all disabled persons passes automatically without the need for customers to provide supporting evidence. Renewed passes will be issued for a period of 12 months from the date of issue. All affected customers will be contacted by the Sustainable Transport Team over the coming weeks.

You can apply for a bus pass for free travel when you reach the female State Pension age (whether you're a man or a woman), or if you have certain disabilities. This gives you free travel on most local bus services in England between 9.30am and 11pm weekdays and all day at weekends and on public holidays. In Plymouth you can also use it on Park and Ride services.

You can apply for your pass at any library (except pop up libraries) or the 1st Stop shop and it will be sent to your home address within 10 days. We'll take your photograph when you apply, but please bring with you proof that you live in Plymouth and proof of your age or disability. All applications must be made in person.

If you're aged 80 and over or registered blind you can enhance your pass so that you can travel free before 9.30am (within Plymouth). Update your pass (up to 10 days before your 80^th birthday) by calling 01752 668000 or emailing publictransport@plymouth.gov.uk

Proof you live in Plymouth

Please bring one of the following printed with your name and address:

Council tax bill (Current financial year)
Utility bill (No older than 3 months)
Driving licence (photo driving licence only)
Rental agreement
Bank statement (No older than 3 months)
Letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (No older than 12 months)
Mooring licence for a site in Plymouth (if you live on a boat)

If you don't have any of the above, bring a letter from your landlord that says you're a Plymouth resident plus the landlord's council tax bill printed with their name.

Foreign nationals whose sole or principal residence is in Plymouth would be eligible. Persons whose sole or principal residence is outside England are not eligible, whether or not they hold a British passport. In respect of boat dwellers, a mooring licence for a site in Plymouth would be acceptable evidence of residency.

Proof of age

Please bring one of the following original documents:

Birth certificate
Passport (valid)
Driving licence
Letter from the Department for Work and Pensions confirming state retirement pension (No older than 3 months)
NHS medical card bearing name and date of birth
Printed prescription bearing name and date of birth

For all applications you will also be asked to provide your National Insurance number.

If you do not have any of the documents listed above and you were born in Plymouth you can obtain a copy of your birth certificate here.

If you don't have any of the documents needed, we may be able to offer you an independent medical assessment. Please contact us on 01752 668000 for more information.

Proof of disability

We do not accept handwritten letters as evidence under any circumstances, they must be typed, dated and signed.

Blue Badge

From 30 August 2019 a Blue Badge will no longer automatically entitle the holder to a concessionary bus pass. All applicants applying after this date will need to provide other proof listed below.

Blind or partially sighted

CVI (Certificate of Visual Impairment)
Current disabled persons Blue Badge (Issued prior to 30 August 2019)
Disabled persons registration card SS310 confirming that applicant is registered blind (severely sight impaired) or partially sighted (sight impaired)
Evidence from an eye specialist i.e. optometrist or consultant ophthalmologist, confirming that the applicant is able to be registered as blind (severely sight impaired) or partially sighted (sight impaired)

Profoundly or severely deaf (hearing loss must be bilateral)

Profound loss – the lowest sound people with this form of hearing loss can perceive is 95 decibels or more

Severe loss – the lowest sound people with this form of hearing loss can perceive is 70-94 decibels

Audiological report or graph confirming a bilateral severe or profound loss
A report or letter from an aural specialist or consultant confirming that the applicant has bilateral hearing loss and is able to be registered as profoundly or severely deaf
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Award with a score of at least 8 points for the ‘Communicating Verbally’ activity - the PIP award letter must be dated within the last 12 months
Letter from the Royal Association for Deaf People confirming that the applicant has bilateral hearing loss and is registered as profoundly or severely deaf

If you do not have a PIP award, including the scores that you receive, dated within the last 12 months, you need to contact the Department of Work and Pensions on 0345 850 3322 to request an up to date letter.

Without speech

Unable to communicate orally in any language. This does not include those whose speech is slow or difficult to understand because, for example, of a severe stammer, or persons for whom English is not their first language.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Award with a score of at least 8 points for the ‘Communicating Verbally’ activity
Letter on official paper from a speech therapist or consultant confirming that the applicant is without speech

If you do not have a PIP award, including the scores that you receive, dated within the last 12 months, you need to contact the Department of Work and Pensions on 0345 850 3322 to request an up to date letter.

Has a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to walk

Disability Living Allowance with higher rate mobility component - the PIP award letter must be dated within the last 12 months.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Award with a score of at least 8 points for the ‘Moving Around’ activity
Current disabled persons Blue Badge (Issued prior to 30 August 2019)

If you do not have a PIP award, including the scores that you receive, dated within the last 12 months, you need to contact the Department of Work and Pensions on 0345 850 3322 to request an up to date letter.

If you do not have a DLA award letter dated within the last 12 months, you need to contact the Department of Work and Pensions on 0345 850 3322 to request and up to date award letter.

Does not have arms or has long-term loss of the use of both arms

Visible absence of arms
Disability Living Allowance with higher rate mobility component - the DLA letter must be dated within the last 12 months
Current disabled persons Blue Badge (Issued prior to 30 August 2019)
Consultant’s report confirming a condition affecting both arms that prevents them from being able to use their arms to carry out day-to-day tasks

If you do not have a DLA award letter dated within the last 12 months, you need to contact the Department of Work and Pensions on 0345 850 3322 to request and up to date award letter.

Learning disabilities

Has a learning disability from childhood that is a state of arrested or incomplete development of the mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning. Persons with learning difficulties are not eligible under this category.

Adults

Support/Care Plan issued by Plymouth City Council’s Adult Social Care Team confirming a learning disability
Letter on official paper from a Learning Disability Support Group
Letter on official paper from an organisation providing supported living for adults with a learning disability
Letter on official paper from a Consultant or Occupational Therapist confirming a learning disability
Letter on official paper from Livewell South West’s Community Learning Disabilities (or Learning Disabilities Parenting) Team confirming a learning disability
Letter from Plymouth City Council’s Deputyship Team including Court Order and Council Tax Exemption
Learning Disability Liaison Team based at Derriford Hospital
Letter from Premier Care (Plymouth) confirming a Learning Disability

Children (aged 5-18 inclusive)

Support/Care Plan issued by Plymouth City Council’s Children’s Disability Service confirming a learning disability
Letter from Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) confirming a learning disability
Letter from a Consultant Paediatrician confirming a learning disability
Letter from a Special School (from the list below) confirming a learning disability
Statement of Special Education Needs where this clearly states the child has a learning disability
Education, Health and Care Plan confirming a learning disability

Special Schools

Children attending one of the 3 special schools listed below will automatically qualify for a bus pass and will need to provide proof of their attendance at one of these schools, together with proof of their home address and date of birth. This evidence can be in the form of a letter from the school.

School	Address	Telephone
Cann Bridge School	Miller Way, Estover, Plymouth, PL6 8UN	01752 207909
Millford Community Special School	Rochford Crescent, Ernesettle, Plymouth, PL5 2PY	01752 300270
Woodlands School	Picklecombe Drive, Off Tamerton Foliot Road, Whitleigh, Plymouth, PL6 5ES	01752 300101

Children attending one of the 3 special schools listed below may be eligible for a pass on the grounds of having a learning disability. Applicants will need to provide a letter from the Headteacher which should confirm the child’s name, home address, date of birth and a short statement confirming that the child has a learning disability commensurate with the requirements as set out in the concessionary travel legislation.

School	Address	Telephone
Brook Green Centre for Learning	Bodmin Road, Whitleigh, Plymouth, PL5 4DZ	01752 773875
Courtlands School	Widey Lane, Crownhill, Plymouth, PL6 5JS	01752 776848
Longcause Community Special School	Longcause, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1JB	01752 336881

Mount Tamar School specialises in supporting children with social, emotional and mental health needs, these children may not meet the learning disability criteria. However, a child may still be entitled to a concessionary bus pass if they are able to provide evidence as listed above.

Unfit to drive for medical reasons

Would, if they applied for the grant of a licence to drive a motor vehicle under part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have their application refused pursuant to Section 92 of that Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the grounds of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.

Current disabled persons Blue Badge (Issued prior to 30 August 2019)
Letter from DVLA giving notice of refusal or withdrawal of licence
Letter on official paper from a medical professional listed below confirming a medical condition that would prevent the applicant from holding a driving licence
Letter from Plymouth City Council’s Deputyship Team including Court Order and Council Tax Exemption
Independent Medical Assessment

Condition	Required evidence	Medical professional
Epilepsy	Confirmation that applicant does not currently hold and would be refused a driving licence as a result of their epilepsy. I can also confirm that this is not a consequence of a misuse of drugs or alcohol.	Epilepsy Specialist Nurse Consultant Neurologist
Severe Mental Disorder	Confirmation that applicant does not hold and would be refused a driving licence if they chose to apply for one otherwise than on the grounds of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol	Consultant Psychiatrist Livewell South West Consultant Psychiatrist Community Mental Health Support Team Community Mental Health Nurse Speciality Doctor in Psychiatry Community Forensic Team Community Recovery Team Care home managed by Karlyon Care Ltd Trenant & Balmain – must be a letter signed by Manager of the relevant Care Home Insight or Icebreak Team - The Zone Plymouth City Council's Deputyship Team Documents must include a letter confirming customer is MUtD a copy of the Court Order issued under the Mental Capacity Act appointing PCC as a deputy for property and affairs a copy of the current year’s Council Tax Exemption Notice confirming the category of exemption as 'Exempt Class U'
Restricted Visual Fields	Confirmation that applicant does not hold and would be refused a driving licence if they chose to apply for one due to their inability to read a registration plate in good light at 20.5 metres (with lenses if worn)	Optometrist Consultant Ophthalmologist
Other medical conditions that would require the revocation or prevent the issue of a driving licence	Confirmation that applicant has a medical condition that would render them unable to hold a driving licence if they chose to apply for one otherwise than on the grounds of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol	Consultant or Occupational Therapist specialising in the relevant field Manager – Headway Plymouth (for those with acquired brain injury only)

We do not accept letters from Harbour Drug & Alcohol Service

Disabled Ex-Service Personnel

Letter from the Service Personnel & Veterans Agency confirming War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
Decision letter from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme confirming tariff 1-8

Evidence presented must be dated within the last 12 months. If you do not have a letter confirmating War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement you can contact Veterans UK on Freephone number 0808 1914 218 who will be able to provide you with this.

Replacement passes

If you have a pass because of a disability, you can renew this two weeks before the cards expiry date at the First Stop Shop on New George Street or any local library.

If you have a pass because of your age you'll automatically get a replacement pass about a week before your current pass expires.

Cancellation of bus passes

Your bus pass may be cancelled if:

We have received information that you have changed your address. Have you recently changed address?
Because the Council wrote to you asking for further proof of eligibility. Do you need to confirm your eligibility?
Because your bus pass was reported lost or stolen.
Your bus pass has not been used within the Plymouth city boundary within a period of 9 months prior to the expiry date of your current pass.

If your card is lost, stolen or damaged it costs £10 to replace it, which you can do at any library (except pop up libraries) or the 1st Stop shop. Payment can be made by cash at your local library or by credit / debit card at 1st Stop, Central, Plympton and Plymstock Libraries. Alternatively we can take payment by credit or debit card over the phone on 01752 668000.

From the 1^st April 2019 a £10 charge will be required to replace all bus passes that have been sent to your previous address.

Please note that the 1st Stop shop will only take payment by card not cash.

Bus pass booklet, August 2019 [PDF, 557KB]