New Concessionary Bus Pass Scheme

Department for Transport Bus Scheme

Please download an application form here

Frequently Asked Questions on New National Travel Scheme.

1. What is The New National Concessionary Travel Scheme?
This is a new national scheme for senior citizens and other concessionary applicants which will entitle holders to free local bus travel anywhere in England. It starts on 1 April 2008. We will be giving out the new Smartcard passes in March 2008 to those people who are eligible.

2. Can I travel on National Express, coaches or rail?
Most National Express and other coach services are not included in the scheme. To avoid disappointment you should check with the service provider before you travel. The new scheme does not apply to rail services

3. Can I get a bus pass?
If you already hold a concessionary bus pass we will be contacting you in November / December 2007 with details of how you apply for the new card.
If you do not currently hold a pass you are eligible if you:-
• are 60 year of age or over;
• or you suffer from a disability, and;
• your primary residence is in North Norfolk District Council's area
To apply please telephone 01263 516418 or email buspass@north-norfolk.gov.uk and request an application form.

4. When will I receive details of the new style pass for National bus travel?
If you are an existing concessionary bus pass holder, you will be receiving a letter in November / December 2007 with a new application form to complete.

If you have not received your letter by 7th December 2007 can you please send a copy of your existing bus pass together with a letter stating your name, address, date of birth to Bus Passes, North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer, NR27 9EN.

5. When will I get my new card?
You will receive your card in March 2008 if you return your application form by 31st January 2008

6. How much will I have to pay for the new pass?
Nothing - it's free!
Although the council will charge a fee for replacing lost passes

7. Will there be any change in eligibility for a new pass?
No. It remains 60 years of age and over, and those who qualify by way of disability under Section 146 of the Transport Act 2000. Your primary residence must be in North Norfolk.

8. When can I use my pass?
You can travel anytime between 8:30am to 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and bank holidays. Please note that this applies to all journeys in Norfolk, if you are travelling outside Norfolk you may only be entitled to travel from 9:30am, it depends on local rules

9. Will travel companions receive a separate pass?
No, but if the holder of a new pass is entitled to travel with a companion this will be indicated in their pass.

10. Can I use the photos from my existing pass?
No you will need to provide us with a new photo which has been taken within the last 12 months. Please download a copy of our photo guidelines.

11. Can I collect my new bus pass in person?
No, the new passes are being produced by a card management company and will be posted to you direct in March 2008

12. My bus pass doesn't expire until 2010 can I use this instead?
No, this is a new scheme and you will need a new card. Please complete your application form as soon as possible and send this back to us.

13. I have a second home here in Norfolk, can I apply here?
No, the pass is only issued by the authority where your primary residence is.

14. Can I use my existing pass after April 1st 2008?
Yes, to ensure that the transition to the new passes is made as easy as possible you will be allowed to use your existing pass until all the new-style passes are issued. This will only be for a few months after April 1st.


15. Will data about me be held on the card?
No, the only information encoded on the card will be the 18 digit card number, the type of concession (age/disability), the expiry date and whether the holder is entitled to travel with a companion.

16. What should I do with my existing card?
Hold onto it until you have received your new card. You will need to continue using your existing card until 1st April 2008 because your new card will not be valid before this date.

17. I have lost my envelope to send off the application form - where do I send it to?
Please send to:
Bus Pass Section
North Norfolk District Council
Cromer
NR27 9EN

You will need to put a stamp on the envelope.

18. I have spoilt my application form - can I have a replacement?
Don't worry - as long as you make all your details clear on the form it will be accepted. If you have spoiled the photo area - please attach your photo with sellotape. You can use a spare sheet of paper to make details clear but you MUST return your application form as this is proof that you are entitled to a pass.

19. Can I travel in London?
Yes - you will be able to travel off-peak on local London buses. Please note that this is a bus scheme and therefore will not be accepted on the tube.

20. Can I travel in Europe with this pass?
No - this is a National bus scheme that only applies to England

21. What Government department is responsible for the introduction and implementation of the new National Concessionary Bus Fares Scheme?
The Department for Transport is responsible. Please find more details on the Department For Transport website.

22. I am registered blind; in the current scheme I am able to travel at anytime without restriction, will the new scheme also allow me to do this?
Yes. Although the Department of Transport does not provide funding for this extra concession Norfolk Concessionary Fares Group subsidise this. You may only be able to travel at anytime within Norfolk unless other counties decide to subsidise travellers who are blind.

23. Will the new bus pass be renewable?
Yes. As long as you are still eligible for a bus pass you will be able to renew it. The Department for Transport has specified that the cards must be renewed before they are 5 years old.

24. If I require a doctors letter to prove my eligibility, how much will this cost?
This varies between surgeries. You must pay this cost directly to the surgery; it can't be claimed back from the council.

25. Are there any photographing facilities at the council?
From Monday April 14th 2008 there will be facilities in the Cromer and Fakenham offices to take a photograph for your bus pass.