Welcome to www.nowcard.org

Welcome to the NoWcard website, the transport smart card for Cumbria, Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool.

 

 

 

NoWcard Sample image

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.

 

 

 

 

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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Why has the concession been withdrawn before 09:30 in Lancashire?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.