Bus Passes and Concessionary Travel

Concessionary Travel

Who is eligible?

You are eligible for a travel concession if you are a permanent resident within the Shepway District Council area (this means that the Council Tax for where you live is paid to Shepway District Council) and you belong to one of the following 2 eligibility categories:

Age Eligibility

Disablility Eligibility

From April 2008 people meeting one of the 2 above catagories are entitled to free nationwide travel. The bus permit allows free off-peak travel from 9.30am to 11.00pm* Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and bank holidays on local buses anywhere in England.  This is the minimum requirements that all Local Authorities must follow.

Please note that within Kent you are able to use your pass from 9:00am Monday to Friday.

For those of you wishing to travel around London, you can now also enjoy the benefits of using your pass 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on all local buses.

* Please note that if you take a journey which commences just before 11:00pm, but requires you to change buses part way through the journey, it is possible that you may be charged for the second part of that journey if it starts after 11:00pm.  Please check with the bus operator should you require further clarification.

Age eligibility

Change in Age of Eligibility

From 6th April 2010, the age of eligibility for concessionary travel for women will be pension age and for men it will be the pensionable age of a woman born on the same day.

The state pension age for women is rising by five years over a period of ten years. The age of eligibility will rise incrementally, that is, in stages, between 2010 and 2020. The earliest age for men and women to get bus passes will therefore rise gradually, from 60 on 6 April 2010 to 65 on 5 April 2020.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.

The age of eligibility for the state pension is scheduled to rise by two months every one month. This means the earliest date on which you can get your bus pass will depend on which month you were born in and will not fall on your birthday. The table below sets out when those approaching the age of 60 will become eligible for their concessionary bus pass.

I reach the age of 60 after 6th April 2010. When will I get my bus pass?

Click this link to view a document to show all future dates for eligibility:  When will I be eligible for bus pass

Click this link to view the Department for Transports offical paper on the age eligibility changes including a section on Frequesntly asked questions: DfT Official Paper - Change to eligibility age

Click here to go to the DirectGov's pensionable age calculator

Disability eligibility

Please note that medical evidence will be required for the following disability circumstances. For individual circumstances to check eligibility please contact the council:

• Blind persons and companion
• Persons who are partially sighted
• Persons who are profoundly or severely deaf
• Persons who are without speech
• Persons who have a disability, or have suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to walk
• Persons who are without the use of both arms
• Persons suffering from a learning disability
• Persons who have been refused, or would be refused, a driving licence on medical grounds
• Certain specified companions to persons in the above categories (a charge will be made)

How to apply

You'll find the links below for the application forms required to apply for your pass. Please ensure you choose the correct application form for your circumstances

Use this application form if you meet the Age Eligibility criteria:

Age Application form

Use this application form if you meet the Disabled Eligibility criteria:

Disabled Application form

Please note - we also require a passport photo with all types of application

For more information on the national scheme, please see the questions and answers below. If there are more questions you need to ask, please contact our Customer Services Team on 01303 858660 or  Contact us online 

National Concessionary Travel - your questions answered

Q. What is the national bus concession?

A. The national bus concession enables eligible users to get free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England. (This means if you are visiting relatives or staying on holiday anywhere in England, you can use your pass on local buses in that area)

Q. Can I use my pass for long distance journeys, for example the National Express?

A. No, your pass is valid for local services only.

Q. What is the definition of local bus service?

A. The definition of a 'local' bus will be self evident in most cases, but could in few instances include some longer distance buses or coach services where part of their route is registered as a local bus service. If in doubt, pass holders can check with the service operator.

Q. Will I be able to enjoy free travel anywhere within the UK?

A. No. The concession will only apply in England.

Q. Can I use my pass for other services, for example the train?

A. No. Your pass is valid for bus travel only.

Q. If I visit an area that offers additional services like trains or trams or travel before 9.30am, will I be entitled to them?

A. As a general rule, local authorities will only provide additional services for their own residents. Some authorities, however, may provide them - check with the relevant authority in the area to which you intend to travel.

Q. There are not many buses in my area. Is there an alternative concession I can apply for?

A. Shepway District Council offers a voucher towards a senior citizen rail card as an alternative to some eligible customers. Please note that it is an alternative so if you choose to apply for the voucher and are eligible, you must return your bus pass.

Q. I cannot travel on my own, can I apply for a companion pass?

A. Severely disabled customers can apply for a companion pass. Please be aware there will be a charge for this pass, and evidence will also be required showing you are unable to travel unaccompanied. Companions will be able to travel free of charge on bus journeys within Kent and Medway, and the companion cannot use this pass without the pass holder travelling with them. For further details, please contact our Customer Services Team.

Q. What should I do if I lose my bus pass or it is stolen?

A. If you pass is lost or stolen, please contact our Customer Services Team who will be able to help you.  Please note that a cost may be incurred for replacement bus passes.