Bus Pass - disabled
How we provide this service
Information on how to apply for a disabled bus pass is supported by Customer and Information Services, Customer Services.
Concessionary Travel: The April 2008 Changes
From 1 April 2008, people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people will be entitled to free bus travel across the whole of England. Between the hours of 9.30am and 11.00pm Monday to Friday and any times at weekends and bank holidays,
From1 July 2008 People living within Lincolnshire (excluding the South Kesteven area) will be given the additional benefit of free travel before 9.30am.
This will replace the existing arrangements which only allow you to travel free of charge across Lincolnshire and to some neighbouring towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the eligible categories of disability?
There are seven categories of disability under which a person can be entitled to concessionary bus travel. An eligible person is someone who:
- is blind or partially sighted
- is profoundly or severely deaf,
- is without speech,
- has a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the ability to walk,
- is without arms or has long-term loss of the use of both arms,
- has a learning disability, which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning,
- would have an application for a driving licence under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, refused on the grounds of physical fitness (section 92) Note that licence refusals on the grounds of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol do not qualify for a concession.
People suffering from other health problems that do not fall under one of these categories are not entitled to claim free travel under this scheme.
2. Will I be issued with a bus ticket?
The issuing of tickets to concessionary travellers is not a legal requirement and has no bearing on an eligible person's entitlement to free travel.
3. What about other coach travel?
Scheduled coach services are not included in this scheme, but there is a separate scheme for concessionary half-fares on scheduled coach services which was introduced in May 2003. It is up to coach operators to decide whether or not to take part in this scheme. National Express, for example, offers half price travel to people over the age of 60. Please contact individual companies for information on their concessions.
4. When will I get my new pass?
Replacement bus passes will be posted automatically to the pass holder. We have been advised by the provider that it is likely that bus pass holders in the South Holland District Council Area will not receive their new passes until the end of April. However, their existing pass can continue to be used for local travel.
If as a bus pass holder you wish to travel outside of the local area before you receive your replacement pass please visit the Priory Road Offices or contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 with your existing bus pass number and we will be happy to issue a temporary National Pass.
5. How do I get more information?
You can contact Customer Services by:
Email - info@sholland.gov.uk
Phone - 01775 761161
Or in person at Priory Road, Spalding, PE11 2XE
Alternatively, further information can be found by visiting the Department for Transport website.
What to do to get this service
Come into our offices at Priory Road, Spalding with proof of where you live and your disability. We will then be able to complete an application with you; we will need to take a photograph of you whilst you are here.
The application will then be sent to the card providers who will print and send to you your new National Bus Pass.
What to do to get this service continued
Applying for a bus pass in April 2008
From 1st April 2008 bus pass applications will be completed in the Priory Road offices and sent electronically to our Bus Pass printers; they will then send out a pass to you.
Please remember to bring with you evidence of your age and residency.
Further Information on this service
Update on time restrictions for use of National Passes
Full council (23.04.08) discussed the re-instatement of the unrestricted travel for SHDC residents. Subject to discussions with the bus operators and budget considerations it is hoped that a decision can be reached at the next Cabinet Meeting in mid May.
Until any changes have been agreed regarding the time restrictions they remain as 9.30am-11.00pm Monday to Friday and All day weekends and bank holidays.
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Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
