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Buses

New single-decker and double-decker buses are designed to be accessible to disabled people, including wheelchair users.

Local councils offer eligible disabled people in their area free off-peak travel on local bus services; there is no charge for the bus pass.

What is 'eligible disabled'?

You are eligible disabled if any of the following applies to you:

• you are blind or partially sighted
• you are profoundly or severely deaf
• you are without speech
• you have a disability which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk
• you do not have arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
• you have a learning disability
• you 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

Bus passes in England

Since 1 April 2008, everyone who is eligible for concessionary bus travel in England is entitled to free off-peak travel on all local buses anywhere in England.

Local councils may offer further benefits to their residents, but these will only apply for travel in the local area, not everywhere.

Extra benefits could include bus passes being valid for travel in the morning rush hour; or for use on trams, trains or taxis. Some passes also cover a wider area, such as a county or metropolitan area.

If you live on the border with Wales or Scotland, your local authority may also have travel arrangements with the neighbouring ones allowing you to use your bus pass in these areas as well.

Check what is covered before you travel. Your local council can give you further information.

Bus passes in Wales

In Wales, if you're entitled to a bus pass, you can use it at any time of the day and are entitled to travel on local bus services in any council area in Wales.

There are also selected routes that go a short way into and from England. Contact your local council for further information.

Bus passes in Scotland

In Scotland, if you are entitled to a bus pass, you can use local bus and scheduled long-distance coach services at any time of the day throughout Scotland.

In addition, you can use it on services to and from Carlisle and on services to and from Berwick-upon-Tweed as long as your journey either starts or ends in Scotland. The pass is not valid for bus travel within Carlisle or Berwick-upon-Tweed.

This scheme is run by Transport Scotland and you need to apply for an Entitlement Card to travel for free.

• Transport Scotland - The National Entitlement Card Opens new window
• Local councils