The new National Bus Concession - your questions answered

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.