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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 are disabled as set out in the national criteria and your sole or pricipal residence is in Cumbria or Lancashire.
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 English National Concession bus pass anywhere in
England. However, your NoWcard is not valid on journeys to or within Scotland,
Wales, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. National Express do offer a concession to the Over 60s please contact them or see the website for details.
Can I use my NoWcard English National Concession bus pass on the Isle of Wight?
Yes, you can use your NoWcard English National concession bus pass for off peak local bus travel on the Isle of Wight. Your NoWcard is not valid however on the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
What concession do I receive before 09:30 and
after 23:00 with my NoWcard?
Any additional concessions offered to NoWcard English National Concession bus pass holders above the standard English National Concession are funded by the issuing Local Authority, and are available to their residents only. Please click your issuing authority below for details of any additional concessions that may be offered.
ALLERDALE, BARROW, BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, BLACKPOOL, BURNLEY, CARLISLE, CHORLEY, COPELAND, EDEN, FYLDE, HYNDBURN, LANCASTER, PENDLE, PRESTON, RIBBLE VALLEY, ROSSENDALE, SOUTH LAKELAND, SOUTH RIBBLE, WEST LANCS, WYRE, OTHER AUTHORITY
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.
There are some "express" services operating in Cumbria and Lancashire that are registered as local services click here for further details.
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. Lancashire County, Blackburn with Darwen Borough and Blackpool Council's have funded a 50p flat fare concession for Disabled passholders before 09.30 for local bus journeys starting or ending in the Lancashire Area.
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 and plan my journey?
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 but Lancashire County , Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool Councils are currently in the process of implementing a scheme to offer a companion allowance to eligible disabled NoWcard holders in the Lancashire area, further details will be published when available, please check the website periodically for details.
Allerdale, Barrow, Copeland and South Lakeland offer a companion allowance please contact the relevant
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 outside of your local area. Click here for concessions available in your area.
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?
Should you lose your NoWcard please report it as soon as possible to your Local
Authority. Please bear in mind there is a non refundable fee for a replacement
NoWcard so it would be worthwhile taking the time to check that the card cannot
be found before requesting a replacement.
Some lost cards do get returned to the office, when this happens we contact the cardholder by telephone to let them know their card has been found and that it will be returned to them by 1st class post.
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.
If you have any queries not covered in these FAQs or by the website please contact us.
