Free Bus Travel
From 6th April 2010, the government is gradually
changing the eligibility to apply for a free English National bus
pass. This is in line with their changes to the state pension age
for women, increasing from 60 to 65. The rise will be staged over
the next ten years. Eligibility for bus passes will rise by two
months each month.
This means that residents, who turn 60, on or after 6th April 2010,
will no longer be eligible for the scheme on their 60th birthday.
Details on when you will now qualify are shown below:
| Birthdays between |
Now qualify on |
| Before 6th April 2010 |
60th birthday |
| 6 April 1950 – 5 May 1950 |
6th May 2010 |
| 6 May 1950 – 5 June 1950 |
6 July 2010 |
| 6 June 1950 – 5 July 1950 |
6 September 2010 |
| 6 July 1950 – 5 August 1950 |
6 November 2010 |
| 6 August 1950 – 5 September 1950 |
6 January 2011 |
| 6 September 1950 – 5 October 1950 |
6 March 2011 |
| 6 October 1950 – 5 November 1950 |
6 May 2011 |
| 6 November 1950 – 5 December
1950 |
6 July 2011 |
| 6 December 1950 – 5 January 1951 |
6 September 2011 |
The National Scheme will entitle eligible persons to free local
off-peak bus travel across England from 9.30 a.m. until 11 pm on
weekdays and all day weekends and bank holidays.
In Suffolk a decision has been made to continue with the existing
arrangements that were set up for the old scheme. This means you
will be able to travel free all day, every day (subject to bus
timetables) for journeys starting anywhere in Suffolk.
Please make sure you inform us of any recent change of address so
that we can make sure that passes are sent to the right
place. To advise us of any change in your circumstances you can
email
info@waveney.gov.uk
, complete our
change of circumstance form or visit one of
our
Customer Service Centres
.
You will be able to use your new bus pass on local bus services
throughout England. Please be aware that other councils may not be
providing all day cover so you will need to check what the
situation is if are travelling to other areas by contacting the
District or Borough Council (or the Service Operator of the bus).
You will always be entitled to travel from 9.30 a.m. Monday to
Friday and all day weekends and bank holidays, wherever you
are.
Remember that this applies to where the journey is started. So, you
may begin a journey in the Suffolk area at any time and this
journey can end in any other area. The information you need to
check is what is covered for your return journey. This is only
relevant if you want to travel earlier than 9.30 or after 11
p.m.
Some coach services offer a non-statutory half-fare scheme for
older and disabled people. Participation in this scheme by coach
operators is voluntary but operators, such as National Express, do
participate in the scheme. Before travelling it is advisable to
check with the Service Operator of the Coach.
You may be asked to provide proof of your entitlement by the
production of your bus pass.
Travelling in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and
London
Your free pass only entitles you to free travel anywhere in
England. However, local authorities do have the discretion to make
special arrangements where they consider them to be appropriate and
this may include free travel on short cross-border journeys. It is
advisable to contact the District or Borough Council (or Service
operator) prior to travelling to ensure that they will accept your
pass.
You will be able to use your free travel pass on London buses but
not on the tube or trains. This is because these are additional
benefits, which are paid for by the London authorities for their
resident’s only.
There are many different tiers of local authority in England and it
can sometimes be confusing as to which one to contact. In the main,
District, Borough or Unitary authorities have the responsibility
for the concessionary fares scheme (bus passes). For a direct link
to view them please click on
www.direct.gov.uk
Click on Directories and then click on Local Councils. This
will help you find your nearest Council Office.
There are many different bus operators who provide services across
England. For local information you are advised to contact tourist
information centres or libraries in whose area you are visiting, or
by asking at the local bus station.