Concessionary Bus Travel

FOR PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 60 AND DISABLED PEOPLE

Richmondshire District Council introduced the statutory concessionary fares scheme in June 2001, in partnership with other North Yorkshire District and City of York Councils. Since 1 April 2006, Richmondshire District Council has been able to offer eligible residents free bus travel throughout North Yorkshire and the City of York.

Free National Bus Travel

From April 2008, concessionary bus travel provision will be improved to include national bus travel.  Eligible people will get free off-peak travel on all local buses anywhere in England.

The National Concessionary Bus Pass is available to men and women of 60 years and over and disabled people of any age who qualify under the categories listed in the Transport Act 2000.

Anyone who already has a valid North Yorkshire Concessionary Fares pass should qualify for a National Concessionary Bus Travel pass.  Existing passholders will be contacted if they need to provide any further information before their National pass can be issued.

Example new pass

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  I already have a bus pass. Do I need to apply for a new pass to get National free travel?

A.  No, if you already have a pass, you do not need to do anything. If it is necessary, the Council will contact you for any information we need to issue the new National pass to you. However, the Council will need to issue you with a new pass to a new design, in March, for you to access the extended benefits provided by the new scheme starting in April 2008.

Q.  Where can the National pass be used?

A.   The National pass is valid for free bus travel on all registered local bus services anywhere in England. The pass is not valid for travel on long distance express coach services, or for train or tram travel. The pass cannot be used for local bus travel in Wales or Scotland.

Q.  When can I use the National bus pass?

A.   The National pass provides free travel across England from 9.30am until 11.00pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends and on bank holidays. Passes issued by North Yorkshire District Councils and City of York Council will also be valid at all times except between 6.00am and 9.00am Monday to Friday for journeys starting within North Yorkshire and City of York only. Local extensions to the national minimum standard, such as longer times when the pass is valid, will not be available when travelling in other areas. This is also likely to apply to other local scheme enhancements. For example, disabled people who are entitled to travel with a free fare companion may not be able to do so on journeys starting outside North Yorkshire or York. In other areas, only the passholder will be able to travel free.

Q.  When exactly does the new Scheme start, and when will I get my new National pass?

A.   The new scheme will start in April 2008, but the exact date is not yet known. The new National pass will not be issued to you until mid to end of March 2008. The time delay is due to the processing and printing time required to produce the new style pass to a national standard which is determined by the Secretary of State.

Q.   I don't have a bus pass at the moment. How do I apply for a National bus pass?

A.    You can apply for a bus pass at any time. If you are eligible to receive a travel concession, you will be issued with a North Yorkshire pass now, and you will automatically be re-issued with a National pass in time for the National Scheme starting in April 2008.  For full details and an application form, please contact 01748 828777.

Companion Passes 

Pass holders who are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance with the Higher Rate Mobility Component will be entitled to a pass that includes provision for a companion to travel with them at the concessionary rate.

Travel Vouchers

An alternative concession in the form of Travel Vouchers is available if you have a disability and you do not want to take up your entitlement to a Bus Pass. Please note that only one concession (Bus Pass or Travel Vouchers) is allowed per eligible resident. Please contact the Council for further details.

How to apply for a Bus Pass
There are two ways to obtain a pass: -

1. Postal Application

You can complete the application form and return it to the address provided on the form together with:

• A recent passport size photograph (with your name and address on the back)
• Proof of identity and age (such as a pension book or passport)
• Proof that you live at the stated address (for example a Council Tax bill, Driving Licence or Tenancy/ Mortgage agreement) Utility bills will not be accepted as proof of address 
• If you are disabled you must also forward a copy of your DLA letter or Doctors certificate

If you require application forms or have any queries, please contact 01748 828777. Queries regarding bus times and routes can be made to the National Traveline on 0871 2002233.

Application forms are also available for you to download in Word format.

Bus Pass Application Form (Word)

Disabled Persons Bus Pass Application Form (Word)

Please complete them, ensuring they are signed in handwriting, and return by post. Click on the icons to download the form, or use the right mouse button 'Save target as' option to save for later use.

2. In person at the Council offices

Applications can be made in person at the Richmond Community Office subject to opening hours of 8.45 a.m - 17.15 p.m (Mon - Thurs) and 8.45 a.m - 16.45 p.m (Fri). Passes will be issued via the postal system. Please ensure that you bring all the proof required as listed above. Please ask for a member of the Information and Administration team to assist you with your request.