Concessionary Travel application form  

Lost bus permit form

Benefits for elderly customers

E-mail:

buspermits@thanet.gov.uk

Phone:

01843 577000 or

Write to:

Bus Permit Section

Thanet District Council
P.O. Box 9
Margate
Kent CT9 1XZ

Bus Permits (Concessionary)

Thanet District Council works with the Government to provide the National Concessionary Travel Scheme for England.

A permit is available FREE and will let you travel throughout England on off-peak buses — free of charge!

If you are over 60 years old, or if you have certain disabilities, you can apply.

To get your permit

• Download  a Concessionary Travel application form 
• pick up an application form at our Council Offices:
  • Thanet's Gateway Plus, Cecil Street, Margate;
  • 14 York Street, Ramsgate; or at
  • Broadstairs and St. Peter's Service Centre
    Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs
  • phone us on 01843 577000 or
    e-mail: Buspermits@thanet.gov.uk

   

If you have any questions about the National Concessionary Travel Scheme for England, please contact us.

How does the permit work?

Your permit is valid until its expiry date, and allows you to travel free of charge on local bus services in England. Your permit cannot be used for long distance journeys on, for example, express coach services, or on rail services.

Your permit can be used during off-peak hours which are 9.00am until the last bus of the day Monday to Friday, and all day weekends and bank holidays. Other areas may vary, but as a minimum the statutory requirement is 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday, and at any time of day at weekends and on public holidays.

By showing your permit you are entitled to free travel, but you must show your permit every time.

Please see the Conditions of Use

What if…

• You change your name or address, or your eligibility details have changed since your last permit was issued?

You must tell us of the new details as soon as possible.

• You move to an area covered by a different local council?

If you move to somewhere outside of Thanet, please return your permit to us. You should apply to your new council for a new permit.

• You’ve lost your permit?

You should tell us straight away. We may be able to issue a duplicate permit, but we may charge you an administration fee for doing this.

You can download a Lost bus permit form

• You no longer need your permit?

You can cancel your permit at any time by returning it to us. The Council has to pay a lot of money for your bus permit and if you do not use it or need it any longer you should return it for cancellation.

Conditions of Use

When you accept a Bus Permit you agree to the following:

• You can only use your permit on participating operators’ services in England.
• You cannot travel before 9.00am on weekdays, unless it is a public holiday. Other areas may vary, but as a minimum the statutory requirement is 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday, and at any time of day at weekends and on public holidays.
• The Council cannot guarantee the availability of any bus service.
• You must show your permit to the bus driver every time you want to travel free.
• The bus driver, ticket inspector or an officer for Thanet District Council can ask you about your circumstances and the journey you are making to make sure you should have a permit.
• You must follow the bus operator’s rules when you travel using your permit. These are explained in their Conditions of Carriage and Passenger Regulations.
• You cannot buy season tickets, long distance coach tickets, excursion tickets or railway tickets using your permit.
• You must not let anyone else use your permit.
• Your permit is not valid if it is changed or defaced.
• We will give you another permit if you lose or damage your permit. You may have to pay an administrative charge.
• Your permit belongs to Thanet District Council. You must give the permit to the Council or its representative if you are asked to.
• The councils that run the National Concessionary Travel Scheme and anyone who helps them to run the scheme are not responsible for any losses or damages you may suffer when you travel using your permit.

If you have any questions about the National Concessionary Travel Scheme, please contact us. 

Additional information can also be found on the Directgov website.

For all bus timetable and journey planning enquiries, phone Traveline 0871 200 22 33