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From 1st April 2011, concessionary bus passes are managed by Warwickshire County Council.
For more information on the scheme, buses and how to apply please visit the Warwickshire County Council concessionary travel page.
Q. What is the National Bus Pass Concession?
A. From 1st April 2008, the National Bus Pass Concession enables eligible users to get free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.
Q. Who's eligible for the new concession?
A. If you were born before 5 April 1950 you are eligible for a bus pass straight away.
If you were born after 5 April 1950, the age at which you become eligible is tied to changes in the State Pension age for women. This affects both men and women.
Women born after 5 April 1950: If you're a woman born after 5 April 1950, you'll become eligible for an older person's bus pass when you reach pensionable age.
Men born after 5 April 1950: If you're a man born after 5 April 1950, you'll become eligible when you reach the pensionable age of a woman born on the same day.
You can check when you'll become eligible by entering your sex and date of birth into the State Pension age calculator.
For more information about eligibility, visit Concession eligibility notes provided by DirectGov.
Q. Why do time restrictions apply?
A. Time restrictions apply in order to ensure that the scheme can be realistically funded and to manage capacity on services in some areas.
Q. When exactly is off-peak travel?
A. Off peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday-Friday, and all day weekends and bank holidays anywhere in England. However, the Councils in Warwickshire have extended the times that you can start and end your journeys in Warwickshire to between 9.00am and midnight.
Q. What is the definition of a 'local' bus?
A. The definition of a 'local' bus will be self-evident in most cases, but in a few instances could include some longer distance buses and coach services where part of their route is registered as a local bus service. If in doubt, pass holders can check with the service operator.
Q. Will I be able to enjoy free travel everywhere within the UK?
A. No, the concession will only apply within England. Wales and Scotland have their own concessions.
Q. Is it only applicable to buses?
A. Yes the new concession applies just to bus travel. You cannot use your bus pass in taxis, trains, ferries, trams, underground, scheduled coach services or community transport services not registered as local bus services or any other special services.
Q. If I visit an area that offers additional services, will I be entitled to them?
A. Probably not. As a general rule, local authorities will only provide additional services for their own residents. So some additional services you may be able to enjoy locally, as a resident of Stratford on Avon, you will not be able to enjoy elsewhere. Some authorities, however, may provide them - check with the relevant authority in the area in which you intend to travel.
Q. How do I get a concessionary travel pass?
A. Applicants may apply in person or by post. Either way, you must complete an application form and provide:
If applying in person, please call into the Council offices at Elizabeth House, where your photograph will be taken and a bus pass produced while you wait. This service is currently offered between the hours of 10am and 4pm every weekday.
If applying by post, return your application form to: Stratford on Avon DC, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 6HX.
Q. Why do I need to provide proof of permanent residency?
A. To protect the interests of ratepayers of Stratford on Avon District by ensuring that these bus passes are only issued to residents of the District who are entitled to them. (For example, overseas visitors, over 60, staying in temporary accommodation would not be eligible).
Q. Why do I need proof of age or disability?
A. Again to protect the interests of the ratepayers of Stratford on Avon District by ensuring that these bus passes are only issued to people entitled to them.
Q. What 'proof' do I need to show that I am eligible disabled?
A.
This letter must state that you suffer from a specific illness or disability, and that, in their opinion, this illness/disability meets the requirements of part (f) or (g) of Section 146 of The Transport Act 2000. ( The various categories described under the Act are reproduced in the Council's Guidance and Eligibility Notes )
Q. What will my pass look like?
A. You can see the two types of pass below. The pass on the left, with the blue strip down the right hand side, is for those aged 60 and over. The pass on the right, with the orange strip, is for eligible disabled people.
Q. How long is it valid for?
A. Five years until 31st March 2013. However, the Council reserves the right to re-issue the pass before the expiry date.
Q. What do I do if my pass is lost/stolen/etc?
A. You need to notify the Council in writing. The Council reserves the right to charge for the issue of a replacement card. The charge will usually be waived if your card is stolen but you need to report this to the Police and obtain a crime report number.
Downloads:
Bus Operators (62KB PDF)
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External links:
Concessionary Travel
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Directgov - State Pension age calculator
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Directgov - Free bus travel in England for older and disabled people
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