National Concessionary Travel Scheme
England's 2008 Bus Concession explained
Below you'll find more information about the changes to the National Bus Concession. If there's anything else you need to know, don't hesitate to contact North Shropshire District Council by calling 01939 232771 or visiting Edinburgh House, New Street, Wem, Shropshire SY4 5DB
As an added feature to off peak national travel, North Shropshire District Council is also offering travel from North Shropshire at anytime. This means that when travelling from the North Shropshire area you can travel at any time, however if you wish to make a connection outside of North Shropshire you will only be able to do so after 9:30am or any time weekends and Bank Holidays.
Click here to download a application form for the 2008/2008 National Travel Scheme
Click here for a press release from the councils press office
Q. What is the new National Bus Concession?
A. 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. But 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.*
* 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.
Q. Who's eligible for the new concession?
A. People aged 60 or over or eligible disabled people are entitled to concessionary bus travel. For more information about eligibility, visit www.directgov/buspass
Q. When exactly is off-peak travel?
A. Off peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday - Friday, and all day weekends and bank holidays.
Q. What is the definition of a 'local' bus?
A. 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 or local authority that issued the pass.
Q. Will I be able to enjoy free travel everywhere within the UK?
A. No, the concession will only apply within England.
Q. Is it only applicable to buses?
A. The new concession applies just to bus travel but some authorities offer additional services like trains or trams or travel before 9.30am. Check with your local authority to find out exactly what services are covered in your area.
Q. If I visit an area that offers additional services, will I be entitled to them?
A. 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.
Q. I don't live in London, but I visit relatives there occasionally. Will I be able to enjoy the same benefits as a Freedom Pass holder if I travel there?
A. 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.
Q. How do I get a concessionary travel pass?
A. If you live outside Greater London
It depends on your local authority. Some will be upgrading passes automatically, for example, so if they've already contacted you to advise you that you fall into that category, you won't need to do anything.
Other local authorities have already written to their residents asking them to return application forms. If you've received one, make sure you return it promptly to ensure you receive your new pass in good time. As part of the application you'll also need to prove your eligibility, that you're a permanent resident of your area and supply a recent passport-style photograph for your new pass.
For full details about how your local authority plans to issue passes, contact them for more information or look on their website.
A. If you live inside Greater London
If you live inside Greater London and already have a Freedom Pass, you don't need a new pass until 2010, but you will need to get your existing Freedom Pass 're-stickered' before 1st April 2008. Your pass will then be able to continue to be used in London and for off-peak local bus travel across England from 1st April 2008. Again, for full details about how your local authority plans to issue passes, contact them for more information, look on their website or visit www.freedompass.org
Q. Do I need to get a new pass if I'm not planning to travel outside my local area?
A. If you live outside Greater London, you must get a new pass to ensure that you're able to access free services across England from 1st April. Without a new style pass, you won't be entitled to any free travel outside your local area. Your existing pass will still entitle you to free travel in your local area, but only until 30th September 2008 after which you will need a new national pass.
Q. When will people receive their new passes?
A. Passes are being posted out in April 2008 for people who have applied.
Q. I'm finding all the differences in the different schemes confusing, what do I really need to know?
A. The new national pass entitles you to free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England. This is the only service that is guaranteed. There may be additional services but you should check with the local travel authority that issued your pass for more details.
Q. What will my pass look like?
A. If you live outside Greater London
You can see the two new types of passes below. The pass on the left, with the blue strip down the right hand side, is for those aged 60 and over. The pass on the right, with the orange strip, is for eligible disabled people.
A. If you live inside Greater London
Freedom Passes will have a new sticker applied to them, featuring the national concession logo and a hologram for additional security for when it is used as a 'flash card' outside of London.
There are a small number of Freedom Passes that have been issued by London boroughs to people who don't meet the criteria for the national concession. These Freedom Passes will have a sticker applied that clearly shows they are valid in London only.
