Free Bus Passes

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Last revised: 7 October 2008

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From 1st April 2008 if you are 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

New Bus Concessions

I already have a bus pass.  Do I have to apply for this new one?

If you already have a bus pass, you still have to have the new one.  It will be automatically sent to you by 1st April 2008.  There is a useful leaflet which can be downloaded here

How do I get a new National Concession bus pass?

If you already have a bus pass, you will automatically be sent one by 1st April 2008.  If you do not have one, you can download the application form and guidance notes or you can contact customer services by telephone (01380 724911) or e-mail kennet@kennet.gov.uk and request this information by post or e-mail.

How is the new National Bus Concession different to the current one?

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 (excluding Scotland and Wales).

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Is there a charge for the pass?

Passes for the National Bus Concession will be free to all people who are eligible.

What are the benefits of free national bus travel?

Millions of older and disabled people rely on local bus services.  This new concession allows them not only to save money, but provides an incentive to go further afield to visit friends, family and places of interest in other parts of England.

Will residents of England be able to travel everywhere in the UK?

No, eligible residents will be able to travel on any off-peak local bus services anywhere in ENGLAND.

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Who is eligible for the new concession?

People aged over 60 or eligible disabled people.

Who are the 'eligible disabled' people?

The guidance notes lists all eligible disabled people who can fill in an application form for a bus pass.

When exactly is off-peak travel?

Off-peak hours are 09:30 am until 11:00 pm Monday to Friday, and all weekends and bank holidays.  These time restrictions apply in order to ensure that the scheme can be realistically funded and to manage capacity on services at certain times and areas.

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Will I still be able to travel in Wiltshire before 09:30 am?

Yes, Kennet District Council continues to be part of the Wiltshire-wide bus pass scheme.  You will also still be able to travel before 09:30 and in North Wiltshire, West Wiltshire and Salisbury.  Travel within Swindon is restricted to off-peak, after 09:30 am.  However, some services will continue to be restricted.  Please open the attached document Wiltshire Bus Exceptions to see a list of times and buses that are restricted to bus pass holders.

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 distances 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:

Wiltshire County Council list of bus operators

Is this new concession applicable to other forms of transport?

As a rule, the concession applies to just bus travel, rather than ferries, trains or trams, scheduled coach services or community transport not registered as local bus services.

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If I visit another area (such as London) 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.  To be sure, you should check with the relevant authority in the area you intend to travel.

Are there any additional services offered for bus pass holders in the Kennet area?

You should contact the Bus Pass Administrator on 01380 734669 or e-mail carole.butler@kennet.gov.uk to find out about additional services.

I am not intending to travel outside Wiltshire; do I still have to have a new pass?

Yes.  All concessionary travel passes are changing (except those issued with limited availability to people not entitled under the National Concession) and you will receive your new pass automatically before 1st April 2008.  For a very short period of time, your existing pass will be valid only in Wiltshire but after that time, you will require the new pass.

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What will my pass look like?

It will be a credit card-style laminated pass.  If the pass has a blue stripe down the right hand side, this is for those aged 60 or over.  If the pass has an orange stripe down the right hand side, this is for eligible disabled people.

What about 'Companion Passes'?

Companion passes will no longer be accepted nationally and therefore companions will not be able to travel free around England.

However, for travelling in Wiltshire itself, companion passes will continue to be issued to those who are eligible and they will continue to be recognised on Wiltshire buses.  Companion passes will carry the following symbol - C - to enable the bus drivers to recognise them.

How will the National Bus Concession be funded?

The government is providing more than £200 million per year to fund the enhanced National Bus Concession.  For more information on this, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/buspass

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General Queries

I think I am eligible for a bus pass.  How do I apply?

You can download the application form and guidance notes or you can contact customer services by telephone (01380 724911) or e-mail kennet@kennet.gov.uk and request this information by post or e-mail.

I have returned my application form.  When will I get my bus pass?

You should receive your bus pass within a week to ten days from the day it is received by us.

How long is my bus pass valid for?

There should be an expiry date at the front of your card.

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I am over 60.  Why haven't I received my bus pass?

If you are over 60 and do not currently have a bus pass, you will have to apply.  You can download the application form and guidance notes or you can contact customer services by telephone (01380 724911) or e-mail kennet@kennet.gov.uk and request this information by post or e-mail.

I want to change/update my photograph on my bus pass.  Is there a charge for this?

There is a charge of £5.00 to change your bus pass photograph.  You should contact the Bus Pass Administrator on 01380 734669 or e-mail carole.butler@kennet.gov.uk about this.

I have lost my bus pass/my bus pass has been stolen.  What happens now?

If you lose your bus pass, you will need to contact the Bus Pass Administrator on 01380 734669 or e-mail carole.butler@kennet.gov.uk about this.  The replacement pass will take 5 working days and there is a charge of £5.00.  If your bus pass was stolen, and you have a crime number from the Police, this charge will be waived.

I have moved address/my circumstances have changed.  Who should I contact?

You should contact the Bus Pass Administrator on 01380 734669 or e-mail carole.butler@kennet.gov.uk about this.

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Further information

The Association of Kennet Passengers is a voluntary association of users of public transport.  Click for further information. -Kennet & Beyond.

If you require further information, please contact:

Bus Pass Administrator, Devizes Visitor Centre, Cromwell House, Market Place, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1JG

Telephone: 01380 724911

E-mail: carole.butler@kennet.gov.uk

Or view the attached useful leaflet