Concessionary Travel
Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme
The Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for older and disabled people is operated by Transport Scotland.
Applicants will be issued with a National Entitlement Card which allows free bus travel throughout Scotland on virtually all scheduled local bus services and long distance coach services which are available to the general public. For new applicants, details of where to obtain application forms and a summary of eligibility criteria are given below. Journeys can be made at any time, there are no restrictions. In addition, the Entitlement Card gives free bus travel from the Scottish Borders to Berwick-upon-Tweed and from Dumfries & Galloway to Carlisle. The Scottish National Entitlement Card is not valid for travel elsewhere in England, similarly the English National Bus Pass is not valid in Scotland.
Local Rail Travel Arrangements
Your Entitlement Card will also allow you cheaper fares on First ScotRail trains locally within Angus and to/from Dundee. Please note that any companions will have to pay the full fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to an Entitlement Card?
Over 60's - anyone aged 60 years of age or over who is permanently resident in Scotland.
Disabled Persons - must be permanently resident in Scotland, be at least 5 years of age and fall into one of the following categories:
- receive higher rate of the mobility component of disability living allowance (DLA).
- receive higher or middle rate of the care component of DLA.
- in receipt of Attendance Allowance.
- receive a mobility supplement under article 26A of the Naval, Military and Air Forces (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 1983.
- holder of a disabled person's parking badge - also known as a Blue Badge.
- certified blind or partially sighted and are on a register maintained by or on behalf of a council.
- profoundly deaf (95+ dBHLs) or severely deaf (70-94 dBHLs).
- has had driving licence refused or revoked due to failing the eyesight standard.
- has had driving licence refused or revoked due to a declared medical condition (other than due to persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol).
- has had driving licence revoked due to a change in health (other than due to persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol).
- persons of fare paying age, but under the legal age to drive, who would be refused a driving licence due to impaired physical fitness (other than due to persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol).
- ability to travel is impaired by a mental disorder which has persisted for more than a year and the applicant is required to travel to appointments or treatment, care or rehabilitation programmes.
- those diagnosed as terminally ill or with a progressive degenerative condition, which severely impedes their mobility and ability to carry out day-to-day activities.
- loss of one or both lower limbs; one lower limb and one upper limb; or both upper limbs.
- anyone with epilepsy who has had a seizure within the past 12 months whose driving license has been revoked or surrendered on medical grounds or has never held a driving licence as they would be refused the licence on medical grounds.
Will I be eligible to a Companion Travel Card?
Persons from the age of 5 years, whose mobility is such that they require to be accompanied when travelling, can apply for a Companion Card if the applicant is:
- in receipt of the higher or middle rate of the care component of DLA.
- in receipt of Attendance Allowance.
- certified blind and is on a register maintained by or on behalf of a council.
Where do I get an application form for the new Entitlement Card?
Application forms for those 60 years of age or over (LS304) are available in all local Angus Council ACCESS Offices and local Post Offices.
Disabled and Companion application forms (NCT001) are from Angus Council ACCESS Offices.
Please refer to the notes on pages 1 and 2 of your application form, as these will give you the information you need to help you to fill in your form correctly.
A separate concessionary travel scheme is available for 16-25 year olds - see Young Persons' Concessionary Travel Scheme.
Who do I contact for further information?
Contact us using the Online Enquiries & Requests form or via ACCESSLine on 08452 777 778, or visit your local ACCESS office.
Service Page: concessionarytravel.htm
Service Details Last Reviewed : 27 May 2010