The National Bus Pass

After the 6th April 2010 the rules for applying for concessionary travel have changed. You can apply for a free bus pass by virtue of your age or if you have a disability. Your new bus pass entitles you to certain free travel anywhere in England.

To be eligible for a pass from South Bucks District Council you must be a permanent resident in the area covered by the Council. The bus pass is valid from the date of issue until 30th September 2013.

Conditions of use
The pass is valid for journeys on local buses anywhere in England from 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays, and at any time on weekends or bank holidays. Residents of South Bucks District can also use their pass from 9am on weekdays for journeys starting in Bucks.
Only the person whose name and photo appears on the pass may use it.

Who can apply?
a. Eligible by age:
The pass is available to residents of South Bucks District Council who are of a certain age. The age you need to be is constantly changing and is linked to the state pension. 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.

So if you are in receipt of a state pension you will be eligible. If you are not please refer to the eligibility chart here . (Proof of your address and age or state pension will be required).

b. Eligible by disability:
You are eligible for a pass if you have one of the following disabilities which is either permanent or have lasted at least 12 months, or likely to last at least 12 months:-

• Blind or partially sighted
• profoundly or severely deaf 
• Without speech 
• A disability, or suffered an injury, which has substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to walk. 
• No arms or has long term loss of the use of both arms. 
• Has a learning disability since childhood that significantly affects intelligence and social functioning . 
• In receipt of the higher rate DLA 
• In receipt of a blue badge 
• Would be refused a drivers license due to physical fitness.

If you do not consider yourself to be one of these categories you will not be eligible for a free bus pass.

How to apply?
You can apply for a free bus pass by completing the downloadable form available at the bottom of this page.

You can apply by post or in person but you must have:

• A completed application form
• A recent passport-style photo 
• Proof of your address and age or state pension.

The following list gives some acceptable forms of proof of age and/or address

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Proof of pension entitlement i.e. a letter from the pension service 
• Retirement pension book 
• DSS disability pension book 
• Utility bill (e.g. gas, electricity, water) 
• Council tax bill
• Driving licence*
• NHS medical card*

NOTE
*This document meets the required evidence for both age and residency, as long as your correct address is shown. If you send a copy of this document in then you do not need to send in any other evidence, unless you are disabled. But please remember to send in your passport sized photograph.
Visit or post to our offices at:

South Bucks District Council,
Capswood,
Oxford Road,
Denham,
UB9 4LH
NOTE - If posting please send good quality photocopies of the relevant documents

If you have a query or would like to speak to someone about your application you can email us at concessionary fares@southbucks.gov.ukor call on 01895 837266 or 01895 837350.

Frequently asked questions regarding the free bus pass scheme

How long will it take before I receive my pass?
It will normally take up to 15 working days from when we receive your application for us to prepare your new pass.
Please note, passes cannot be processed until your personable age has been reached, so allow 15 working days from that date.

What is the national bus pass permit scheme?
The bus pass scheme underwent a major change on 1st April 2008. This meant that pass holders could use their pass for free, off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England. This aspect of the scheme remains unchanged.

How do I use the card?
At present, all you need to do is show the driver your bus pass. Passes do contain an electronic chip, that can enable the bus operators to record more accurate data concerning your travel. However, the electronic chip will not be used in Buckinghamshire for a while because not all buses have the equipment to read them. But when they do, all bus pass holders will be required to swipe their card through a reader when they board the bus.

When exactly is off-peak travel?
Statutory off- peak hours are 9.30am until 11.00pm during the week, and all day weekends and bank holidays. You should be aware that in some areas, local authorities may have agreed slightly different times with the local bus operators in their area (e.g. earlier start time). However this will normally only be available to local residents.

In Buckinghamshire we have agreed some changes. So if you live in the Aylesbury, Chiltern, South Bucks or Wycombe area, you can use your pass from 9.00am to board local buses within Buckinghamshire.

Is the concession only available on buses?
Yes. The new concession applies to travel on local buses only.

What is the definition of a local bus?
Local buses are those run by operators to a published timetable that the public can use without advance booking. In Buckinghamshire this includes all services except those operated by National Express and Dial-a-Ride. There are some instances where longer distance coach and bus operators may have registered as a local bus service, so if you are unsure about whether you can use your pass on long-distance buses and coach trips, check with the company first.

Can I travel free anywhere in the UK?
No, your free travel is limited to England.

I don't live in London but I visit occasionally. Can I use my bus pass in the same way as the London Freedom passholders?
No. Those benefits are paid for by the London authorities, so only London Freedom pass-holders will be able to enjoy additional travel on the tube, trains and trams. You will be able to use your pass on the standard buses during off-peak periods when you visit London, but your pass is not valid for travel on London sight-seeing buses.

Will I be issued with a ticket?
In some areas drivers will ask for your destination and issue a zero-price ticket. However this varies within areas, so you do not need to worry if you do not get one.

Are there any alternatives to the bus pass?
No - we only provide the new national bus pass

What to do if your details change?
If your details change at any time please contact us on 01895 837200.
If you move, contact us immediately so any further passes can be sent to the correct address.
If you move out of the district, you must return the pass to us, and apply to your new local council.

What happens when my pass is up for renewal?
Every pass issued has an expiry date. We will automatically send you are reminder before your old pass expires.
If you have not received your new pass after the expiry date, please contact us on 01895 837 200.

What to do if you lose your pass or it is stolen?
If you lose your pass, please notify us immediately by writing to us, calling on 01895 837200 or by visiting the Council offices in Denham.

If your pass is stolen, please report this to us together with a crime reference number from the police. We will aim to reissue you with a pass within 15 working days. All new bus passes will be sent out by post.