New National Bus Concession Leaflet - Your Questions Answered (511kb)

What is the National Concessionary Travel Scheme?
What travel services can I use free of charge?
How do I apply for a Bus Pass?
What information do I need to provide?
Why can't I provide my own photograph?
Do I have to pay for the new pass?
Will I have to renew my pass?
If I lose my bus pass, how do I get a new one?
What happens if my pass is stolen?
Will my personal details and information be safe?
What if I change my address?
I have received my bus pass but there is a mistake on it.

What is the National Concessionary Travel Scheme?
The scheme entitles pass holders to free bus travel anywhere in England from 1st April 2008.

What travel services can I use free of charge?

In Norfolk
Local Bus Services & the following National Express Services can be used 8:30am – 11:00pm Monday to Friday & all day weekends and bank holidays.

   NX308 Lowestoft - Peterborough
   NX490 Great Yarmouth - Thickthorn
   Norwich - Thetford
   NX727 UEA - Newmarket

Blind Concessionaires can use services 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

In England
Local Bus Services: 9:30am – 11:00pm Monday to Friday & all day weekends and bank holidays

Each Borough/District may offer additional concessions and the relevant district council will be able to advise you to what these are.  You will be able to find the relevant council on the directgov website http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/index.htm

How do I apply for a Bus Pass?
As of 1 July we operate a drop in service at Trafalgar House Cashiers. Simply go to Trafalgar House Cashiers with your proof of age and residency (and disability if applicable) and your application will be processed.

Trafalgar House Cashiers is open Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00.

What information do I need to provide?
You will need to provide proof of age and residency such as a  medical card, drivers license or a recent letter from the DWP regarding pension entitlement.

If you are applying for a disabled concession you will need to provide proof of age, residency and disability.

Proof of disability includes a letter from the DWP confirming you are in receipt of higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance, registration card for the blind, letter from doctor, social services or psychiatrist confirming learning disability from birth or childhood, test results from hospital confirming disability.

Why can't I provide my own photograph?
National requirements specify the size and format of all photographs. It is quicker, easier and less costly to take your photograph whilst checking eligibility than it is to scan and edit photographs that can get lost and damaged. It also costs over £4 to have your photo taken in most booths, so residents will save money too.

Do I have to pay for the new pass?
The pass and photograph is free of charge, unless you require a replacement.

Will I have to renew my pass?
Yes, passes must be renewed to ensure that you are still a Borough Resident and fulfil the criteria under which you made your application. If you have applied for a bus pass on the basis of being over 60, your card will need renewing in 5 years.  The expiry date will be displayed on your pass.

If you have applied for a bus pass on the basis of disability, your pass may need renewing between 1 and 5 years depending on the criteria in which you applied.  The expiry date will be displayed on your pass.

If I lose my bus pass, how do I get a new one?
Please go to Trafalgar House Cashiers to arrange for a new bus pass to be issued.  There is an £8 replacement fee.

What happens if my pass is stolen?
You will need to report this to the police on 0845 4564567.  You will receive a letter with a crime reference number on it.  You will need to bring this in and we can replace your pass free of charge.

Will my personal details and information be safe?
Great Yarmouth Borough Council has to comply with the Data Protection Act in keeping any computerised information on its residents.  As with any information we hold on you it will be kept secure and  we will make sure we comply fully with the law.  We do not give your information to any third parties including the bus companies or travel agents.

What if I change my address?
If you move to another address within the Borough of Great Yarmouth, you should notify us by telephoning  (01493) 856100 or emailing enquiries@great-yarmouth.gov.uk  

If you move out of the Borough you should also notify us and return your bus pass. You will need to register with your new council.

I have received my bus pass but there is a mistake on it.
If you notice an error on your bus pass please telephone 01493 856100  or email  enquiries@great-yarmouth.gov.uk  so that we can arrange for a replacement pass.