Apply for your concessionary bus pass
About the scheme
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) offers free off-peak bus travel across England to eligible residents.
Travel benefits
- free travel: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 11pm; all day on weekends and bank holidays
- fixed fare of 30p: For journeys starting in Hartlepool before 9.30am or after 11pm (Monday to Friday)
Please note:
- travel rules may vary depending on where your journey starts
- travel before 9.30am outside the Tees Valley may require full fare
- bus passes do not cover private coaches or rail services
Eligibility criteria
You can apply if you are:
- of pensionable age
Check your state pension age on GOV.UK - meet the national disability criteria, including:
- blind or partially-sighted
- profoundly or severely deaf
- without speech
- significant long-term difficulty walking
- without arms or long-term loss of use of both arms
- learning disability affecting intelligence and social functioning
- unable to hold a driving licence due to physical fitness (excluding drug/alcohol misuse)
Evidence required
If applying due to disability:
- provide proof of PIP or other disability benefits
- if not receiving benefits, include detailed information about your condition
- you may be referred for a walking assessment if needed
Pass validity
- passes are valid for four years
- they expire on your birthday
- temporary disabled passes may have shorter durations