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Call the NoWcard Helpline on 0845 058 1096

The English National Concession 2008

 

What does the Concessionary Bus Travel Act offer?

It will implement the Chancellor's announcements in the 2006 Budget that people aged 60 and over and disabled people in England will get free off-peak travel on all local buses anywhere in England (rather than just within their local authority area of residence) from April 2008.

 

What does it mean?

Free local bus travel for those eligible from 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday, and all day Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, across England. Local authorities may choose to offer additional local concessions.

 

What are local bus services?

A local bus service would include any type of town bus service; a rural service which observes all bus stops and interurban 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, and are therefore excluded from the English National Concession scheme.

 

When will the National Concession be introduced?

April 2008, in line with the Chancellor's announcements.

 

Who will be eligible for the National Concession?

People aged 60 and over, and disabled people of any age who qualify under the categories listed in the Transport Act 2000.

 


How will eligible people get a national concessionary travel pass?

NoWcard, acting for the Travel Concession Authorities in Cumbria and Lancashire, are making the necessary arrangements to issue National Concession travel passes to existing NoWcard holders. However, if you currently have a NoWcard and have changed address since the card was issued you should contact the NoWcard Helpline 0845 058 1096 to ensure that your National Concession travel pass will be sent to the right address.

New applicants should apply to the local district council in which they reside. Please click here for details.


Who assesses eligibility?

The local district council in which the applicant resides.

 

Is there a charge for the pass?

Passes in the NoWcard area are currently free. Where local authorities offer more generous schemes they may charge for passes to help pay for the extra entitlement, so long as they still offer a free pass providing the statutory minimum.
A charge will be made for replacement cards.