National Bus Pass Scheme

Bus Pass Image

The national concessionary bus pass scheme will let eligible residents travel free on local buses anywhere in England during off-peak times.

What exactly does “off-peak travel” mean?

Nationally, off-peak hours are 9.30am to 11.00pm Monday to Friday, all day at weekends and on bank holidays. For more information about eligibility, please go www.direct.gov.uk/buspass.

Are the off-peak hours different in East Devon?

Yes. In East Devon, off-peak hours are from 9.00am to midnight, Monday to Friday, all day weekends and on Bank Holidays.

What is the definition of a ‘local’ bus?

Local buses are generally those with short routes across a district or city but, in a few instances, could also include some longer distance buses and coach services where part of their route is also part of a local bus service.  If in doubt, please check before travelling with the service operator.

Who is eligible?

Listed below are the categories of people eligible:

  1. Men and women over 60 (in accordance with the 1995 Pensions Act and the Travel Concessions (Eligibility) Act 2002)
  2. People who are blind or partially sighted
  3. People who are deaf or profoundly deaf
  4. People who are without speech
  5. People who suffer from any disability or injury, which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to walk
  6. People who do not have arms or who have long term loss of the use of both arms
  7. People with learning disabilities
  8. People who are unable to drive on medical grounds, i.e. those whose driving licence has been revoked on medical grounds or those application for a licence has been or would be revoked on medical grounds

I qualify for a bus pass but how do I apply for it?

You'll have to complete an application form.  You can get one from:

What will I have to show when I apply for a bus pass?

With the application form, we'll need a passport style photograph (with your name clearly written on the back) proof of eligibility and proof of age (e.g. passport, birth certificate, driving licence – full list on the reverse of the application form).

Do I have to send all of my details to the council when applying for a bus pass?

No. You can visit any of the Tourist Information Centres in the district, listed below with their opening times, or the council offices in Sidmouth, as well as by post.

  • Axminster TIC  Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday - 10.00am to 1.00pm
  • Budleigh Salterton TIC Monday to Thursday - 10.00am to 1.00pm & Friday - 10.00am to 3.00pm
  • Exmouth TIC   Monday to Saturday - 10.00am to 2.00pm
  • Honiton TIC   Monday to Saturday - 10.00am to 2.00pm
  • Ottery St Mary TIC  Monday to Friday - 9.30am to 2.00pm & Saturday - 10.00am to 1.00pm
  • Seaton TIC   Friday & Saturday - 11.00am to 2.00pm

The times shown are the current winter opening times and may change from Easter onwards. You should check with the Tourist Information Centre concerned.

Where can I find out more about bus routes and timetables?

The Traveline Southwest web site at www.travelinesw.com (telephone 0871 200 22 33).  This website gives information about public transport in the South West.

For details about public transport in other parts of England, please visit the national Traveline website at www.traveline.org.uk.

Can the new pass only be used on buses?

Yes. The new scheme only applies to bus travel.

Will I be able to travel for free anywhere in the UK?

No. The scheme only applies within England.

Will I be able to enjoy the same benefits as a Freedom Pass holder (the name of the London scheme)?

Yes and no. Customers will be able use their national bus pass for free off-peak bus travel when visiting the capital but will not get free travel on the tube, trains or trams.

I help someone with a disability.  Do I qualify for one of the new passes?

No, Residents with disabilities which prevent them from travelling alone will be issued with a pass with a C+ printed on the top right-hand corner. This indicates to the bus driver that the disabled person plus a companion are permitted free travel.

Whilst this will provide the pass holder with free travel, as outlined above, the concession does not automatically extend to the companion outside of the district. This is due to the C+ being a special arrangement, funded by East Devon, and not part of the national scheme.

Conditions of the Scheme

  • The concessionary Bus Pass is for personal use of the holder and is not transferable.
  • The concessionary Bus Pass must be shown to the driver/conductor on every journey, otherwise full fare will be charged. Expried cards will be confiscated if holders attempt to use them.
  • Concessionary Bus Pass holders are carried subject to the same conditions of carriage and passenger regulations of participating operators as full fare passengers.
  • Receipt of a concessionary Bus Pass constitutes acceptance of the conditions.
  • The concessionary Bus Pass is rendered void if altered or defaced in any way.
  • The concessionary Bus Pass remains the property of East Devon District Council and must be surrendered on demand if deemed necessary.
  • East Devon District Council reserves the right to amend the discretionary elements of the interpretation of the scheme and these conditions rest entirely with the Council.