Concessionary Bus Fares
We provide a concessionary
travel scheme for Ashford Borough residents who
are 60 and over or have a certain type of disability to
obtain free travel on all local bus services in England.
Passes can be used to travel for free after
9.30am until 11pm and at any time during weekends and
Bank Holidays throughout England. For weekday journeys that
begin in Kent, free travel off-peak times are 9.00am until
11pm.
To be eligible, applicants must provide valid
identification with their home address, including
postcode.
Applicants eligible because of their age need to provide
evidence such as Pension Book, Birth Certificate, Passport, NHS
Medical Card or Driving Licence.
Important Changes in Age of Eligibility
The qualifying age for a concessionary bus pass is changing in
line with changes being made to equalise entitlement to state
pension benefits from 6 April 2010.
The state pension age for women is rising by five years over a
period of ten years. The age of eligibility will rise incrementally
in stages, between 2010 and 2020. The earliest age for men and
women to get bus passes will therefore rise gradually, from 60 on 6
April 2010, to 65 on 5 April 2020.
The Government decided this would be the fairest method, rather
than introduce a one-off rise which would leave those currently
close to retirement age facing a full five-year delay.
The age of eligibility for bus passes is scheduled to rise by
two months every one month. This means the earliest date on which
you can get your pass will depend on what month you were born in
and will not fall on your birthday.
The changes do not affect anyone already in possession of a bus
pass, only those due to turn 60 on or after 6th April 2010. Anyone
born after 5th April 1955 will not be eligible until they reach
65.
The table below sets out when those approaching the age of 60
will become eligible for their bus pass.
Disabled Users
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. See the
Disability Bus Pass
Application for a full list of acceptable evidence.
If you cannot travel alone you may be able to obtain a
Companion bus
pass which entitles you and a companion to travel together free
in Ashford and some neighbouring areas.
You may take different companions for different journeys but
companions cannot use the permit when travelling alone or for
journeys outside of the areas covered.
To find out if you're eligible for a Companion
pass, email bus.pass@ashford.gov.uk or
call Billye Bone on 01233 330501 between 8.00am and
3.30pm, Monday to Friday.
To apply for a concessionary pass or to request a
replacement, download the relevant form
below, returning the completed application to our offices along with
the relevant evidence.
Documents are to be printed full-sized.
Bus Pass Scheme Frequently Asked Questions
If you are 60 and over or have a particular
type of disability, we now
offer a concessionary travel scheme for Ashford Borough residents
to travel for free on all local bus services throughout
England.
You can travel for free from 9.00am on
weekdays for all journeys that begin in Kent and 9.30am for
journeys that begin anywhere else in England. Bank Holiday or
weekend travel is free all day.
Q. When exactly is off-peak travel?
A. National off-peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday –
Friday, and all day on weekends and bank holidays. Journeys
beginning in Kent have an earlier start time of 9.00am.
Q. Is off-peak travel different if my journey
starts in Kent?
A. Yes. If your bus journey begins in Kent the off peak
hours are 9.00am until 11pm Monday – Friday, and all day weekends
and bank holidays.
Q. How do I know if my disability qualifies me for a bus
pass?
A. Information about eligibility for disabled
people is included in our application
form.
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 Ashford.
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. Passes are valid for five years. You will be notified
before your pass expires.
Q. What should I do with my old pass?
A. When you receive your new pass, your old pass should be
destroyed.
You can download a copy of the National Bus Concession
leaflet.
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
3/10/2010