How do I get a free bus pass?
WITH prices going up across the board, people who rely on public transport to get around will be looking for cheaper ways to travel.
A free bus pass can be a great solution for those looking to cut costs, but who can get one and how do you apply?
In the UK there are a few options for people looking to travel by bus for free.
What’s available to you will depend on your age, circumstances and where you live.
We explain exactly who can get a free bus pass, how to apply and where you can use them.
Who is entitled to a free bus pass?
In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age.
At the moment that age is 66, but this will rise to 67 in 2026.
Plus, if you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you’re 60.
People in Wales you can get a bus pass when you reach 60.
You get an also older person’s bus pass when you’re 60 if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
If you have a disability you can also get a free bus pass too under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
In London, you could get a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass, which gives you free transport across rail, bus, tube and overground in London.
Disabled people living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can also apply for a free bus pass.
How do I apply for free bus pass?
Most bus passes can be applied for online through your local council’s website.
Make sure you have all the right documents when you apply, these usually include your ID and proof of address.
To apply for an older person’s bus pass go to gov.uk and enter your postcode.
You’ll then be directed to your local council’s website with more information on how to apply.
You can apply for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass via your London borough council.
For the full list of London borough councils, head over to londoncouncils.gov.uk
If you’re in Scotland, older people and people who have disabilities can apply for the National Entitlement Card through their local authority.
People living in Wales can visit the Transport for Wales website to apply for either the Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card or a Companion Card.
Can I use a free bus pass anywhere in the UK?
Where you can use your free bus pass depends on where you live and which one you have.
If you have a Freedom Pass because you’re over 60 or because you have a disability you can travel free on bus, tram, Tube, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line.
You can travel free on Transport for London services with your Older Person’s Freedom Pass from 9am on weekdays and anytime at weekends and on bank holidays.
If you have a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass, you can travel at any time on TfL services.
You can travel for free between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays and anytime on weekends and public holidays.
The rose symbol on your Freedom Pass means you can travel free on local buses all over England.
If you’ve got an English National Concessionary Scheme bus pass, you can travel on TfL buses too – just show your pass to the driver.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk