You may be eligible for one of two types of bus passes that grants free travel.
Certain people are eligible for free bus travel in the UK (Image: Getty)
Free bus travel is available in the UK – but only to specific groups of people. Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be entitled to a free bus pass.
This scheme is available to help certain people who might otherwise find it difficult to get around, without worrying about the cost.
There are two types of free bus passes in the UK, which can be used on local buses.
These are an older person’s bus pass and a disabled person’s bus pass.
But who exactly qualifies for these and how can you apply?
People with disabilities may also qualify for free bus travel (Image: Getty)
Older person’s bus pass
The Government website explains that in England you can get an older person’s bus pass when you reach State Pension
However, in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, you can apply for this pass once you reach 60. If you live in London you can also get bus travel for free at the age of 60 with the 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website, which also includes free travel on trains and other public transport.
Age UK advises that other areas may also offer travel concessions for people who are over 60. “It’s a good idea to check with your local council to see what help is available,” the charity says.
For more information on how to apply for the older person’s bus pass visit gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass.
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Disabled person’s bus pass
In England there is no central provider of the disabled person’s bus pass. To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, you need to get in touch with your local council.
You can find your local council and apply for a disabled person’s bus pass on GOV.UK. The criteria for a disabled person’s bus pass in England is generally if you are five years old or over and you:
- Are severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted)
- Are profoundly or severely deaf
- Are without speech
- Have a disability, or injury, which has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to walk
- Have no arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
- Have a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which started before adulthood and includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning
- Would be refused a licence to drive a motor vehicle, should an application be made under Part three of the Road Transport Act 1988, under section 92 of the Act (physical fitness), otherwise than on the grounds of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.
Your condition will need to be permanent or last at least 12 months.
