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The NoWcard Bureau has now despatched Cumbria and Lancashire's English National Concession Cards. The NoWcard Helpline is experiencing high call volumes, please see below for answers to common queries.
How do I qualify for a NoWcard?
You qualify for a NoWcard if you are 60 years of age and over or disabled as
set out in national criteria.
Where do I apply for a NoWcard?
You can apply for a NoWcard from your local authority. Please call the NoWcard
Helpline 0845 058 1096 for the nearest office accepting
applications.
I am going on holiday in England, can I use my
NoWcard to travel there for free?
As long as you are travelling on local bus services and not on express or excursion
services such as National Express then you can use your NoWcard anywhere in
England. However, your NoWcard is not valid on journeys to or within Scotland
and Wales.
What concession do I receive before 09:30 and
after 23:00?
There is no concession available before 09:30 on weekdays in Lancashire. If
you travel before 09:30 you will be required to pay the full fare. Cards can
be used after 23:00 in Lancashire.
What is a local bus service?
A local bus service would include any type of town bus service; a rural service
which observes all bus stops on the route and inter-urban services observing
all bus stops and which may include a limited stop section of route where the
distance between stops is within 15 miles (21.4 kms).
Services which observe stops over 15 miles (21.4 kms) apart are regarded as "Express services", for example National Express or Megabus.com services. You will not be able to travel free on these services. Excursion type services which are primarily for end to end journeys, or services which charge a premium fare, may not qualify.
Can I use my NoWcard on Preston’s Park &
Ride services?
Yes, you can use your NoWcard on Preston’s Park & Ride, however, you
may not be able to use your NoWcard on Park & Ride services in other English
towns.
Can I use my NoWcard on trains or the London Underground?
No, but your NoWcard National Concession bus pass allows you free off peak travel
on local bus services throughout England including buses in London.
Why has the concession been withdrawn before 09:30
in Lancashire?
The National Scheme funding provides only for off peak concessions.
Can I use my NoWcard on Blackpool Trams or the
Knott End Ferry?
NoWcards issued by the local authorities in Lancashire are accepted for concessions
on Blackpool Trams and the Knott-End Ferry, this is an additional concession
offered by the local authorities in Lancashire to their NoWcard holders. The
concession is available off peak only.
Can I use my NoWcard on Manchester MetrolinkTrams?
No, your NoWcard will not be accepted for a concession on Manchester Metrolink.
Where can I find information on bus services?
For information about bus services please contact Traveline
0871 200 22 33, open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week (calls from landlines cost 10p
per minute).
I have a NoWcard but cannot travel on my own;
can my carer have a NoWcard to travel with me?
Carer or companion concessions are not a statutory requirement and none of the
Travel Concession Authorities of Lancashire currently offers this concession.
Some Cumbrian Local authorities offer a companion allowance please contact your
district for details.
Who pays for my concession?
The English National Concession is funded by HM Government with your local district
council. Lancashire County Council/NoWcard administers the scheme on behalf
of all Cumbria and Lancashire district and unitary authorities.
What is the difference in concession between a
disabled person’s NoWcard and an Over 60s NoWcard?
There is no difference in the concession offered to Over 60 and Disabled NoWcard
holders.
My child is severely disabled are they entitled
to a NoWcard?
If your child meets the eligibility criteria and is over 5 they will be entitled
to a NoWcard National Concession bus pass.
If I lose my NoWcard, can I get a replacement?
You can get a replacement card by contacting the local authority that issued
your card. There is a £10 fee for replacement cards. Your replacement
pass will be sent by post to your home address.
Do I need to let NoWcard know when I change my
address?
Yes, it is important that the details NoWcard hold for you are correct. For
example, if you lost your bus pass and it was found it could be sent back out
to you, preventing you from having to pay for a replacement card.
How soon before my 60th birthday can I apply for
my NoWcard?
You can apply up to 2 weeks before your 60th Birthday.
Why does my card have an expiry date on it?
The Government has set the maximum expiry date of 5 years for National Concession bus passes. Disabled passes may have an earlier expiry date, as some disabilities are not permanent.
