Bus Passes

From 6 April 2010, the government is gradually changing the eligibility to apply for a free English National Bus Pass. This is in line with their changes to the state pension age for women, increasing from 60 to 65. The rise will be staged over the next ten years. Eligibility for bus passes will rise by two months each month. This means that residents, who turn 60, on or after 6 April 2010, will no longer be eligible for the scheme on their 60th birthday. Details on when you will now qualify are shown below:

Birthdays between	Now qualify on
Before 6 April 1950	60th Birthday
6 April 1950 – 5 May 1950	6 May 2010
6 May 1950 – 5 June 1950	6 July 2010
6 June 1950 – 5 July 1950	6 September 2010
6 July 1950 – 5 August 1950	6 November 2010
6 August 1950 – 5 September 1950	6 January 2011
6 September 1950 – 5 October 1950	6 March 2011
6 October 1950 – 5 November 1950	6 May 2011
6 November 1950 – 6 December 1950	6 July 2011
6 December 1950 – 5 January 1951	6 September 2011

Free Bus Travel for over 60s and Disabled users

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

What happens if my pass is lost or 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 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 direct.gov website http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/index.htm

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How do I apply for a Bus Pass?
We operate at drop in service at the Town Hall. Simply go to reception with your proof of age and residence (and disability if applicable) and your application will be processed. The Town Hall is open Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 17:00.

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What information do I need to provide?
You will need to provide proof of age and residence such as a medical card, driver’s 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, residence 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, psychologist or psychiatrist confirming learning disability from birth or childhood, test results from hospital confirming disability.

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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.

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

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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.

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What happens if my pass is lost or stolen?
If you lose your bus pass or it is stolen it can be replaced for a charge of £8.00. You will need to go to the Cashiers desk in Trafalgar House, Great Yarmouth who will arrange for a new bus pass to be issued. Alternatively if you wish to pay the fee by credit or debit card this can be done by phoning the Cashier’s section on (01493) 846266

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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.

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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.

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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.

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