Bus Passes

The National Concessionary Fares Scheme entitles all residents that are aged 60 or over and residents that are 'eligible disabled' to free off peak local bus travel within England.  In addition, Hertfordshire pass holders are also able to travel at any time on bus services across Hertfordshire.
 
Information about how to apply and some frequently asked questions about the scheme can be viewed below.

When can I travel?

If you board the bus within Hertfordshire you can start travel at any time.

If you board the bus outside Hertfordshire (even for journeys that return to Hertfordshire) you can only start travel during the Government time bands of:

• Mondays to Fridays - 9.30am to 11pm
• Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays - at any time

Some areas outside Hertfordshire may allow travel before 9.30am, but you will have to check locally.

Why are there time differences in a national scheme?

The Government set out a national minimum time period to exclude the morning peak period in England.

The Hertfordshire councils have used their discretionary powers to fund a better scheme for Hertfordshire residents, giving all day travel across the county of Hertfordshire and off peak travel elsewhere within England.

Where can I travel - are there services I cannot use?

Bus passes will be valid on all local bus services operating in England.  They are not valid on:

• National Express (a separate discount scheme operates)
• Other long distance coach services
• Excursions,  tours and services which require pre-booking to guarantee a seat
• National Rail, London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, tram and ferry services
• Commuter coach services to central London before 9.30am Mondays to Fridays
• Dial-a-Ride and community transport schemes

Remember that it is the type of service that determines whether you can use your bus pass, not whether the vehicle is a bus or a coach.

Can I travel anywhere in the UK?

No, free bus travel is only available within England.

What does the bus pass look like?

The national bus pass is a standard smartcard design.  Hertfordshire bus passes display the Hertfordshire logo to ensure you qualify for the better scheme provided within the County.  Bus passes also show an expiry date which is normally 5 years after issue. 

How do I use my bus pass?

Until smartcard readers are introduced, you must show the bus pass to the driver in order to travel.  However, if travelling in an area outside of Hertfordshire, you may be asked to present your bus pass to a smartcard reader.  The driver will inform you if this is required.

What if I move area?

You should hand in your bus pass (it has a contact address on the back) and reapply in your new area.

What can I do if bus services change or do not run reliably?

The concessionary scheme does not guarantee that you will get any particular level or quality of service provision.  You may wish to take up issues or complaints with the operator if you are dissatisfied.  Where a service is funded by Hertfordshire County Council, you can make suggestions or complaints to them.

What is 'eligible disabled'?

Under this scheme, you are eligible disabled if you:

• are blind or partially sighted,
• are profoundly or severely deaf,
• are without speech,
• have a disability, or have suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk,
• do not have arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms,
• have a learning disability - a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning, or
• would, if you applied for a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have your application refused under section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) on grounds other than persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.

How do I apply for a bus pass?

Please telephone our Customer Services Centre on 01923 776611 or e-mail enquiries@threerivers.gov.uk.  Alternatively, you can download the application form below.

• prove your eligibility
• prove that you are a permanent resident of the district
• supply a recent passport-style photograph of yourself

Information on bus services across the whole country is available from the Traveline Information Service, which can be telephoned between 7am and 10pm daily on 0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 10p per minute from landlines).

Within Hertfordshire, the Intalink Partnership provides a range of timetable books and leaflets.  Visit their website at www.intalink.org.uk for more details.