The new National Bus Concession - your questions answered

From 1st April 2008 if you're 60 or over, or eligible disabled and live in England, your bus pass is changing. The new pass will allow you to enjoy free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.

The following questions and answers should help you to understand the changes that are taking place, but if there's anything else you need to know, don't hesitate to contact us or visit www.direct.gov.uk/buspass

What is the new National Bus Concession?

Since 1st 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 1st April 2008, the new National Bus Concession will enable eligible users to get free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.

Who is eligible for the new concession?

If you're aged 60 or over, or eligible disabled and live in England, you're eligible. For more information about eligibility, visit www.direct.gov.uk/buspass

When exactly is off-peak travel?

Off-peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday, and all day weekends and bank holidays.

Is it only applicable to buses?

The new concession applies just to bus travel but some authorities offer extra services. Nottingham City Council will continue to give its residents many extra travel benefits.

What other local travel benefits will I get?

In addition to the concession provided as part of the national scheme Nottingham City Council provide the following additional travel benefits to Citycard holders:

Free weekday bus travel before 7.30am (Senior Citycard holders) and before 9.30am (Mobility Citycard holders) and free weekday travel after 11pm (all card holders).

Citycard holders can also use the tram and all seven of Nottingham's Park and Ride sites, subject to the above time constraints .

Mobility Citycard holders also receive a half fare discount on Nottingham Dial-a-Ride, and a companion pass is available for qualifying Mobility card holders.

If I visit an area that offers additional services, will I be entitled to them?

Probably not. 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.

I don't live in London, but I visit friends there occasionally. Will I be able to enjoy the same benefits as a Freedom Pass holder if I travel there?

No. Because those benefits are paid for by the London authorities, only London Freedom Pass holders will be able to enjoy additional local travel on the tube, trains and trams. You will, however, be able to enjoy the statutory national concession of free off-peak bus travel when visiting the capital.

How do I get a concessionary travel pass?

All new Senior/Mobility Citycards have now been posted out. If you still haven't received a new pass, please call the NCT Travel Centre on (0115) 950 60 70.

If you have never had a pass, the application procedure remains the same - simply fill out an application form (available from any City library) and take it to the Travel Centre in the Market Square.

Do I need to get a new pass if I'm not planning to travel outside my local area?

Yes. Your existing pass will still entitle you to free travel in your local area but only for a limited time, after which you will need a new pass. Without a new style pass, you won't be entitled to any free travel outside your local area.

I'm finding all the differences confusing, what do I really need to know?

The new national pass entitles you to free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England. This is the only service that is guaranteed. In addition, Nottingham City Council will continue to provide Citycard holders with many extra local benefits.