Bus Passes (The National Bus Concession)
- The National Bus Concession
- What is the National Bus Concession?
- Am I entitled to the National Bus Concession?
- What times can I use my National Bus Concession pass?
- Can my National Bus Concession pass be used for any other travel?
- If I visit an area which offers additional services, will I be entitled to those services?
- Will residents of England be able to travel to anywhere in the UK?
- How long will my National Bus Concession pass be valid for?
- What happens if I change address?
- Who do I apply to for my National Bus Concession?
- I have lost or had my bus pass stolen
- Contact details
The National Bus Concession
As from the 1st of April 2008, the National Bus Concession commenced for those people over 60 years of age or eligible disabled. The age eligibility changed from 6th April 2010, please click here for further information.
TopWhat is the National Bus Concession?
The National Bus Concession from 1st April 2008 will enable eligible users to get free off peak travel anywhere in England. Local Authorities are responsible for processing and issuing free passes.
TopAm I entitled to the National Bus Concession?
If you are over 60, (please check the eligibility age criteria that came into force from 6th April 2010 by clicking here first), and permanently reside in Castle Point you are entitled to the National Bus Concession.
OR
If you are under 60 or over 60 and disabled and eligible under the Transport Act 2000 and permanently reside in Castle Point you are entitled to the National Bus Concession. One companion is entitled to travel free with the eligible disabled person anywhere in Essex. The companion will be charged the bus fare when boarding a bus (with the eligible disabled person), outside of Essex.
If you are disabled and wish to know if you may be entitled to the free pass please click on this link 
Department for Transport which gives guidance for Local Authorities on the eligible disabled criteria or see the Application Form further down under Who do i apply to for my National Bus Concession.
What times can I use my National Bus Concession pass?
You can travel free on all local bus services for journeys strictly starting from 9.00 am until 12.00 midnight on weekdays but you can travel free anytime at the weekend or public holidays.
TopCan my National Bus Concession pass be used for any other travel?
No. The National Bus Concession only applies to the provision of free off peak local bus services anywhere in England. The National Bus Concession cannot be used on rail services or long distance journeys, for example those on express coach.
TopIf I visit an area which offers additional services, will I be entitled to those services?
No, Authorities that offer additional services must fund the additional services themselves. As a general rule Authorities only provide the additional services for their own residents. It is worth checking with the relevant local authority before you travel.
TopWill residents of England be able to travel to anywhere in the UK?
No, but eligible residents will be able to travel on any off-peak local bus services anywhere in England.
TopHow long will my National Bus Concession pass be valid for?
If you are entitled to the National Bus Concession you will be sent a pass and the pass will show an expiry date ranging between 2 and 5 years on the front. You will be sent a renewal pass before your pass is due to expire. Please note that due to to the large number of passes likely to be issued, everyone is liable to have different expiry dates. For example you may have a different expiry date to that of your neighbour.
TopWhat happens if I change address?
If you move out of the Castle Point Borough you should inform us and return your National Bus Concession pass. You will need to reapply at the new Local Authority where you have moved to.
If you move address but remain a Castle Point resident you should inform us either in writing or by telephoning us. Contact details are on the website or at the back of your pass.
TopWho do I apply to for my National Bus Concession?
Application forms can be obtained from Castle Point Borough Council Offices at Kiln Road Benfleet or Cash Offices at Sydervelt Road Canvey Island. Before returning the application form, please read and complete the application form thoroughly and ensure you supply the relevant original documents and passport sized coloured photograph as stated on the application form.
Application forms to download:
Senior Citizen Application Form 72.8 kb
Disabled Application Form 93.5 kb
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I have lost or had my bus pass stolen
If you have lost your bus pass there is a £3.00 replacement charge. A fresh application form is required although we do not need another photograph or documentary evidence. If you have had your pass stolen and have reported it to the police we will need evidence of your police crime number and a fresh application form completed and there will be no charge. Duplicate Bus Pass Form 39 kb
Contact details
Castle Point Borough Council
Telephone Concessions: 01268 882244
Telephone Castle Point Borough Council: 01268 882200
Email castlepoint
Application forms can be obtained from;
Cashiers at Kiln Road Offices, Benfleet
Opening times Monday - Thursday 9.00 am - 4.45, Friday 9.00 am -4.15 pm
Cashiers at Sydervelt Road, Canvey Island
Opening times Monday - Friday 9.00 am - 1.30 pm
Bus timetables (local) can also be purchased from Cashiers at Kiln Road or Sydervelt Road at a cost of £1.00
Please click on this linkto see the Bus Timetable for England
Information on the National Bus Concession can also be obtained from the Department for Transport website at department for transport
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