The New National Concessionary Fares Scheme
Guidance on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Concessionary Bus Travel Scheme
Following reports in the national media at the end of March 2009, many people who qualify for free travel have become concerned that they will no longer be able to travel free on park and ride services in Cambridge or longer journeys.
Councils in Cambridgeshire have moved to reassure residents who qualify for a bus pass that arrangements in Cambridgeshire won’t be changing. Bus passengers with a pass will still be able to get on local services whether they be park and rides or picking up a local bus service. Some people have also been concerned about travelling over longer distances with companies such as National Express. These services have never been included in the local Cambridgeshire scheme and we would advise passengers to contact the relevant Operator directly before travel to find out the level of concession available.
The Scheme
The new National Concessionary Bus Fares Scheme started on 1st April 2008. People aged 60 and over and disabled people in England are able to get free off-peak travel on all local buses anywhere in England. This scheme was announced in the 2006 Budget by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and replaced existing local schemes.
The new scheme allows free bus travel for those eligible from 9.30am until 11pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends and bank holidays, across England. It is not possible to use a pass before 9.30 in the morning on weekdays.
The following groups of people qualify for a bus pass under the National Concessionary Bus Travel Scheme. To get a new pass, you will need to fill in a new application form. When completing the application form, only one of the following criteria needs be met and only one box ticked.
- men and women aged 60 and over
- people who are blind or partially sighted
- people who are profoundly or severely deaf with an overall average hearing loss of 70db or more
- people who are without speech
- people who have a disability making walking difficult
- people who do not have arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
- people who have a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning. These disabilities must have started before adulthood and have lasting effect on development. Please note conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD are not covered by this definition.
- if I applied for a driving licence the application would be refused on the grounds of :
- Epilepsy
- Severe mental disorder
- inability to read a registration plate in good light at 20.5 metres (with lenses if worn)
- Other disability that would be likely to cause the driving of vehicles by me to be a source of danger
If you would be refused a driving licence through the misuse of alcohol or drugs, you will have your bus pass application refused.
How can I get a Bus Pass and when should I apply ?
You will need to complete an application form, and provide a passport style photograph which will be shown on the pass. As well as that, everybody must provide some proof or evidence that they are eligible for the scheme, even if you have an existing pass. For men and women aged 60 or over , the simplest way to do this will be by showing your current Huntingdonshire bus pass. For all others, including those who are eligible on medical or disability grounds or for those aged 60 and over and applying for the first time, you will need to provide proof of age or disability and where you live e.g. utility bill or official letter in your own name that has your address on it.
You can apply up to 14 days in advance of when you become eligible for your pass which allows time for your application to be verified and the pass to be manufactured.
Where can I get my bus pass application form ?
Application forms and guidance notes are available in a number of ways. The simplest way is by downloading from the linked documents to the right-hand side of this page.
Alternatively, by telephone on (01480) 388388 and a form will be posted to you or in person at one of the Customer Service centres listed below.
When and where do I bring my completed application form, with photo, and proof that I qualify ?
Application forms, photos and proof of eligibility will be checked at one of the locations listed below. These can also be posted to the Council at Pathfinder House, St. Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3TN. Any application by post MUST contain a photocopy of identification or proof of eligibility and if you are an existing passholder and your existing pass is your proof of eligibility, you must send a copy of your existing pass. Photos should NOT be stapled or attached to the application form.
Completed forms can be taken to the following Customer Service Centres:
- Centenary House, St. Mary’s Street, Huntingdon
- Priory Centre, St. Neots
- Town Hall, Market Hill, St. Ives
- Ramsey Information Centre, Great Whyte
- Yaxley Information Centre, Broadway Shopping Centre
When will I receive my new bus pass ?
Your new pass will be sent to you in the post as soon as possible but within 21 days of receipt of your completed application.
What happens if I lose my pass ?
Please inform us if you lose your new pass so that we can amend our database and cancel the card issued. A replacement card will be available at a cost of £5
What do I do if my personal details change ?
If you change your name or address, please tell us straight away so your details can be updated. If the pass is no longer required or the person is no longer eligible, please return the pass to us.
What will the new passes look like ?
The new pass will be in a standard format and will include your photograph with a unique number so we can identify your pass. It will also be a smartcard containing a microchip which can store information electronically. In the future there will be a requirement for all buses to have smartcard readers and therefore new passes are being provided in this format now. However at present, passes being used across Cambridgeshire will simply be shown to the bus driver, in the same way as the old scheme.
Is there a charge for the pass ?
Passes are free although the applicant has to provide the passport photo.
Which bus services will I be able to travel on?
The new bus pass will entitle holders to free travel on any off-peak local bus service in England. Scheduled coach services are not included if they are not also registered as local services. Government's separate scheme for concessionary half-fares on scheduled coach services introduced in May 2003 will continue. It is up to coach operators to decide whether or not to take part in this scheme.
Are community transport services covered by the scheme ?
At present, certain community transport services that meet day to day needs permit the use of bus passes and allow free travel across Cambridgeshire. It is planned that this will continue and may be widened to other day to day related journeys outside Cambridgeshire. However you cannot use the pass for excursions and leisure related trips.
Is there anything else I need to know ?
A number of the villages across Huntingdonshire only have a daily or less frequent bus leaving the village before 09.30. In those cases we have made an exception and passes will be accepted on the following services;
Service 400 - 07:45 (Monday to Friday) Keyston to Huntingdon
Service 401 - 07:50 (Monday to Friday) Grafham to Huntingdon
Service 402 - 09:00 (Monday) Huntingdon to St. Ives
Service 403 - 09:00 (Tuesday) Huntingdon to Thrapston
Service 404 - 09:00 (Wednesday) Huntingdon to Bedford
Service 405 - 09:00 (Wednesday) Huntingdon to Peterborough
Service 406 - 09:00 (Wednesday) Huntingdon to Kettering
Service 407 - 09:00 (Wednesday) Huntingdon to Peterborough
Service 408 - 09:00 (Thursday) Huntingdon to St. Neots
Service 409 - 09:00 (Friday) Huntingdon to Huntingdon
Service 430 - 09:26 (Tuesday) Conington to Yaxley
Service RH1 - 08:43 (Friday) Upwood to Ramsey
Service RH2 - 09:05 (Thursday) Upwood to Huntingdon
Service RH5 - 09:02 (Friday) Ramsey to Ramsey
Service 209 - 09.21 Winwick & 09.27 Gt. Gidding (Thursday) to Oundle (facilitated by local agreement between Huntingdonshire District Council and Northamptonshire County Council).
If you are members of Dial-a-Ride schemes in Huntingdonshire, you will be able to travel free for journeys within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. For trips further afield and excursions, you will need to pay the appropriate fare. Please check with your Dial-a-Ride scheme when you book.