Concessionary Travel

Application Forms

• Click here to download a national bus concession application form for persons of state pension age
• Click here to download a national bus concession application form for disabled users younger than state pension age

Concessionary Travel: Questions and Answers

What is the national bus concession?

Since 1 April 2006, eligible bus users have been guaranteed a minimum of free off-peak local bus travel within the local authority area in which they live. From 1 April 2008, the national bus concession enabled eligible users to get free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.
N.B. Some authorities choose to fund additional benefits to their residents, e.g. train, tram or peak-time bus travel. As a general rule, these additional benefits will only be available to local residents. 

Who is eligible for the new concession?

From 6 April 2010, there will be a change to the age of eligibility for concessionary bus travel in line with the changes that are being made to the state pension age. For the purposes of concessionary travel this means tying the age of eligibility for the bus pass to the pensionable age for women. As the pensionable age for women gradually increases from 60 to 65 over the ten year period from 2010 to 2020 so too will the age of eligibility for the concessionary bus pass increase for both men and women.

These plans mean that by 2020 the age of eligibility will increase to 65. Until pensionable age is equalized between men and women in 2020, men will continue to become eligible for a concessionary bus pass when they reach the pensionable age of a woman born on the same day. 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 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. Please see table for dates of eligibility for concessionary bus passes, you can also find this information on the DirectGov website at: 

• http://pensions.direct.gov.uk/en/state-pension-age-calculator/home.asp

Eligible disabled people’s entitlement will not change.

Dates of eligibility for concessionary bus passes

Why have working age men been entitled to a bus pass in the past?

The purpose of the concession has always been to provide greater freedom and independence to older people in their retirement. Until 2002, eligibility for the concessionary bus pass was linked to the state pension age, meaning women became eligible at 60 and men at 65.

However, in 2000 this difference was challenged as discriminatory in the European Court of Human Rights. The Government pre-emptively took the decision to lower the age of entitlement for men and in 2002 new legislation was passed that equalized the age of eligibility for both men and women at 60. However, this meant that, for the first time, concessionary bus travel was made available to older people of working age.

With the difference in state pension age for men and women set to disappear between 2010 and 2020, it is appropriate to re-establish the link with pension age and remove the anomalous position of working-age citizens receiving free bus passes.

When exactly is off-peak travel?

Off-peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday, and all day weekends and bank holidays. Uttlesford pass holders can travel within Essex from 9am to midnight Monday to Friday and all day weekends and bank holidays.

What is the definition of a "local" bus?

The definition of a "local" bus will be self-evident in most cases, but in a few instances could include some longer distance buses and 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.

Can I enjoy free travel anywhere in the UK?

No, the concession only applies within England.

Can I use my pass on trains or London Underground?

No, the concession is for buses only.

 I already have a bus pass; will it be taken away from me?

For people who have already reached the age of 60 or are due to do so before 6 April 2010 there will be no change whatsoever. Even if you have not already taken up your entitlement to a bus pass you will be unaffected by the changes if your 60th birthday is before 6 April 2010.

Is there an alternative to a bus pass?

As an alternative to the national bus concession, national transport tokens are available for use on local rail and some taxi services. Tokens cost £15 for £30 of tokens and can be obtained from the district council offices at Saffron Walden and the CIC based in the Dunmow Library. If preferred, tokens can be posted to you on receipt of an application form and payment. If booking a taxi, it is advisable to check that the firm will accept tokens beforehand.

How do I apply for a pass or tokens?

Application forms can be obtained from the district council offices at Saffron Walden, Great Dunmow CIC based in the Dunmow Library or by applying to the Concessionary Fares Office, Uttlesford District Council, Council Offices, London Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4ER.

Is there any other concession?

You can also get a senior railcard at a special low rate of £20.50 (normal cost £26). The railcard gives you one-third off most standard and first class rail fares throughout Great Britain and is available for anyone 60 and over and living in Uttlesford.

For further advice or help please telephone (01799) 510608 or email parking@uttlesford.gov.uk.