If you live in England and are of retirement age or an eligible disabled person, you are entitled to an English National Concessionary Bus Pass.
Applying for Concessionary Fares
Essex residents who are applying for an older persons or disabled persons bus pass for the first time, need to apply to Essex County Council.
Residents can apply by:
- Downloading an application form for older persons or disabled persons.
- Collecting an application form from their local libraries
- Calling 0845 200 0388 for an application form or for assistance completing one.
Current pass holders who have passes due to renewal will be automatically sent replacements, rather than having to reapply.
However, if pass holders have moved since their current pass was issued they should contact ECC on buspass.team@essex.gov.uk or by calling 0845 200 0388.
| Location |
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) |
Weekends and public holidays |
Essex, Southend and Thurrock Authorities
Companion Passes are valid in these areas |
09:00 to 24:00
(09:00 to 23:00 in Thurrock)
|
Anytime |
|
Any other local authority in England
(Not all authorities offer earlier discretionary start times – you should check before travel)
A companion pass will only act as a standard pass outside of Essex. Your companion will be required to pay for their travel.
|
09:30 to 23:00 |
Anytime
|
Transport For London Buses
(you cannot use your pass on the Underground, DLR or Trams) |
Anytime
|
Anytime
|
An Essex companion pass is available for those who have difficulty travelling without assistance. For more information please call 0845 200 0388 or email: buspass.team@essex.gov.uk.
Eligibility
Older people become eligible at the female age of retirement. If you were born before 6 April 1950 you are eligible for a concessionary pass.
If you were born between 7 April 1950 and the 5 April 1955 please use the eligibility calculator below to help you work out when you will become eligible for a pass.
On 29 November 2011 the government announced the increase from 66 to 67 will be bought forward from 2034 to 2026. People born on or after 6 April 1960 but before 6 April 1961 will have a State Pension age between 66 and 67. People born on or after 6 April 1961 will have a State Pension age of 67 or higher. This proposed change is not expected to be finalised until the end of 2012 or the beginning of 2013. Because this is a proposal and not law, this calculator is based on the current law and does not take the proposed changes into account.