Since April 2008, concessionary bus travel has been improved to include national bus travel. Eligible people can get free off-peak travel on all registered local services.
The National Concessionary Bus Pass is available to men and women of 60 years and over and disabled people of any age who qualify under the categories listed in the Transport Act 2000.
CHANGES TO AGE OF ELIGIBILITY FOR A BUS PASS
The Government has announced that from 6 April 2010 the age of eligibility for concessionary travel in England will be linked to the pensionable age applying to women.
As the pensionable age for women gradually increases from 60 to 65 over the ten year period from 2010 to 2020 so too will the age of eligibility for concessionary travel increase for both men and women.
For further information please read the frequently asked questions below.
Pass holders who are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance with the Higher Rate Mobility Component are entitled to a pass that includes provision for a companion to travel with them at the concessionary rate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How will the change in age eligibility announced by the Government affect the date on which i qualify for a bus pass?
A. The age of eligibility for concessionary travel will change in line with those changes being made to equalise eligibility for state pension benefits from April 2010.
As the pensionable age for women increase from 60 to 65 over the next 10 year period, 2010 to 2020 so too will the age of eligibility for a bus pass for both men and women.
Anyone born after 5 April 1955 will not be eligible for a bus pass until they reach the age of 65.
Q. How can i work out when I can apply for a bus pass?
A. You can look at the age calculator document on this page, or you can select the link below to the Direct Gov Pension age calculator or contact Customer Services on 01756 700600.
http://pensions.direct.gov.uk/en/state-pension-age-calculator/home.asp
When working out the date of eligibility for a bus pass you should select the female gender in all cases regardless of gender.
Q. Will the change in age eligibility affect current passholders?
A. These changes will not affect anyone already in posession of a concessionary pass, only those due to turn 60 on or after 6 April 2010.
Q. How do i apply for a National Bus Pass?
A. For full details and an application form, either download online, contact Customer Services on 01756 700600 or call into Contact Craven Customer Service Centres at Settle Town Hall or Skipton Town Hall.
Q. Where can the National pass be used?
A. The National pass is valid for free bus travel on all registered local bus services anywhere in England. The pass is not valid for travel on long distance express coach services, or for train or tram travel. The pass cannot be used for local bus travel in Wales or Scotland.
Q. When can i use the National bus pass?
A. The National pass provides free travel across England from 9.30 am until 11.00pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends and on bank holidays. Passes issued by Craven District Council will also be valid at any time for journeys starting within Craven on a throughfare journey. Local extensions to the national minimum standard such as longer times when the pass is valid, will not be available when travelling in other areas. This is also likely to apply to other local scheme enhancements. for example, disabled people who are entitled to travel with a free fare companion may not be able to do so on journeys starting outside North Yorkshire or York. In other areas, only the passholder will be able to travel free.
Full details of how to apply for your bus pass, conditions of use and application forms are available to download.
If you have any queries please contact Customer Services on 01756 700600 or call into one of the Contact Craven customer service centres in Settle Town Hall or Skipton Town Hall.
Enquiries regarding bus times and services should be made to the National Travel line on 0870 6082608.