Concessionary Bus Fares
We provide a concessionary travel scheme for Ashford Borough
residents that allows people from the age of 60 and certain
categories of the disabled to obtain free travel on all local bus
services in England.
Passes are free for travel after 9.30am and at any time during
the weekends and bank holidays.
Applicants eligible because of their age need to provide
evidence such as Pension Book, Birth Certificate, Passport, NHS
Medical Card or Driving Licence.
Applicants eligible because of their disability will also need
to provide evidence, for example, Social Services Registration, a
doctor's letter or a medical certificate. A full list of
acceptable evidence is available on request.
If you cannot travel alone you can obtain
a Companion bus pass which entitles you and a companion to travel
together free. Your companion can not use the
permit when travelling alone. You may take different companions for
different journeys. Please contact us on 01233 330501 or email
billye.bone@ashford.gov.uk
for full details about Companion passes.
You can apply for either Concessionary Bus Pass by downloading
the forms below and returning the completed application
to our
offices along with the relevant evidence.
Bus Pass Scheme Frequently Asked Questions
From 1 April 2008 if you’re 60 or over, or eligible disabled and
live in England, your bus pass is changing. The new pass will allow
you to enjoy free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in
England.
Q. How is the new bus pass scheme different to the
current one?
A. From 1 April 2008, you will be entitled to free off-peak
travel on local buses anywhere in England, not just in Kent.
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.
Q. What is the definition of a ‘local’ bus?
A. This refers to day-to-day scheduled bus services and should
be self-evident, but in a few instances could include some longer
distance bus and coach services where part of the route is
registered as a local bus service. If in doubt card holders should
contact the relevant bus operator.
Q. Will I be able to enjoy free travel everywhere within
the UK?
A. No, the concession will only apply within England.
Q. Is it only applicable to buses?
A. Some authorities offer additional free services, such as
trams, but there are none in Kent.
Q. If I visit an area that offers additional services,
will I be entitled to them?
A. Probably not. Local authorities normally only provide
additional services for their own residents. There are some
exceptions, so check with the relevant authority in the area you
are travelling to.
Q. I don’t live in London, but I visit occasionally.
Will I be able to enjoy the same benefits as a Freedom Pass holder
there?
A. No. Those benefits are paid for by the London authorities, so
only London Freedom Pass holders can enjoy additional local travel
on the tube, trains and trams. You will, however, be able to enjoy
free off-peak bus travel when visiting the capital.
Q. I’m finding all the differences in the different
schemes confusing, what do I really need to know?
A. The new national pass entitles you to free off-peak local bus
travel anywhere in England.
Q. How do I find out about bus timetables and
information?
A. Visit our Bus
webpage for more information.
Q. Will I have to renew my pass?
A. Previously passes had to be renewed annually but the new one
is valid for five years. You will be notified before your pass
expires.
Q. What should I do with my old pass?
A. After 1 April your old pass is no longer valid and should be
destroyed.
Further Information
The following Kent County Council websites provide further
information on Public Transport in Kent including Concessionary
Fares and a list of Bus Services provided throughout the
County.
For more information visit the
DirectGov website.
This webpage was updated on 8/12/2008