Who will be eligible for a Bus Pass? & Some FAQ's answered

You are entitled to a bus pass if you meet the

following requirements:

• You are aged 60 or over
• You are blind or partially sighted
• You are profoundly or severely deaf
• You are without speech
• You have a disability or injury which seriously impairs your ability to walk
• You do not have the use of both arms
• You have a learning disability
• You have had your driving licence refused or revoked on medical or physical grounds
• The individual pass holder pass indicates  that a companion can travel with them.

How do I prove that I am eligible?

In order to prove your eligibility you will need one of more of the following:

• Proof of your age (i.e. driving licence, birth certificate, passport)
• Proof of your address (i.e. recent utility bill)
• Pension book
• Statement of payment of pension
• Disability Living Allowance book or some other proof of disability
• Existing bus pass
• Proof of registration with Adult & Community Services

Companions

Older people and people with disabilities who cannot travel on public transport without the assistance of a companion may be eligible for a Companion’s Pass. This will entitle a companion to the same concession.

If you have any further queries about the new scheme, please call the One Stop Shop, or John Gittins, Head of Care & Repair and Community Transport, on 01527 534087.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do I need to replace my existing pass?

You can use your existing pass in exactly the same way as now, and you will not need to replace it when the new scheme starts on 1st April 2006.

How much fare I will I have to pay?

Bus pass holders will not pay for timetabled bus journeys that start or finish anywhere within the County of Worcestershire.  

This means that you can also use your pass on a bus journey to or from the counties of West Midlands (which includes Birmingham), Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.  You will have to pay full fare for separate journeys that start and finish outside Worcestershire.

If I travel to Malvern, I have to make several bus changes to get there; how will the new scheme help me?

The existing scheme has been extended so that regardless of the number of times you have to change bus, your pass entitles you to free travel to any location within Worcestershire, such as Malvern.

Will I have to pay when I use my bus pass for travelling to Studley?

No, as long as your bus journey starts or finishes in Worcestershire you will not have to pay.  However, if you take another bus journey from Studley into another part of Warwickshire, you will have to pay the full fare for that extra journey.  

If I take a bus out of the County, can I travel back for free?

Yes, provided that the bus takes you on a single journey into Worcestershire.  For example you can take the 144 from Birmingham to Bromsgrove, for free, and then take the 143 from Bromsgrove into Redditch, for free.

I am shortly moving to a new address, can I use the same bus pass?

It is important that you let us know of any change of address so that our records are kept up to date.  If you move home to anywhere outside of Redditch you will need to apply for a new pass with your new local authority.

Will the bus pass be changing in the future?

We are working with other local authorities to develop a new type of pass that will be more secure, easier to use, and will provide more accurate information for the bus operators and the Council.  As soon as we have worked out the details we will let you know the arrangements.  You will not be charged for the new bus pass.

What happens if I need to have someone with me?

If you need a companion with you in order to travel on public transport you may be eligible for a “Companion Pass”.  If you have not already applied for one, please contact the One Stop Shop.  The Companion Pass will replace the normal one and entitle a companion to travel with you for the same concession.

Can I use my pass on other forms of transport?

Registered Dial a Ride users can use their pass for journeys on the Dial Ride service, allowing them to travel at the concessionary rate of 30p.  

Your bus pass cannot be used on trains.  Please visit the local train station or go to http:www.railcard.co.uk and ask for information on the Senior Railcard or Disabled Railcard for rail concessions.

Do I have to pay for my pass?

No. You do not have to pay for your pass when you first apply for it. However, if you lose your pass there may be a replacement charge.

What if I don’t have a pass?

A If you don’t apply for a pass you will not be able to travel for free and you will be required to pay the full fare for your journey.

What if I lose my pass?

If you lose your pass you should report this immediately to your district council. They will be able to replace it for you but there may be a replacement charge.

Related Document

Concessionary Scheme Fare Leaflet  (1.65 MB)