Bus permits - Frequently Asked Questions

Below is more information about the National Bus Concession. If there’s anything else you need to know, please contact us.

Q. What is the National Bus Concession?

A. The National Bus Concession enabled eligible users to get free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.

Q. Who’s eligible for the concession?

A. People of pensionable age or over or eligible disabled people are entitled to concessionary bus travel. For more information about eligibility:

 http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/PublicTransport/BusAndCoachTravel/DG_071640

Q. When exactly is off-peak travel?

A. In Kent, off-peak hours are 9.00am until 11.00pm 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.

Q. What is the definition of a ‘local’ bus?

A. The definition of a ‘local’ bus will be self-evident in most cases, but in a few instances could include some longer distance buses and coach services where part of their route is registered as a local bus service. If in doubt, check with the bus service operator.

Q. Will I be able to enjoy free travel everywhere within the UK?

A. No, the concession will only apply within England.

Q. Can I use my pass for travel in the Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly or the Channel Isles?

A. Passes can be used on the Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly. But the Isle of Man and the Channels Islands are not part of England so passes will not be valid there.

Q. Is it only applicable to buses?

A. The new concession issued by Thanet District Council applies just to bus travel.

Q. If I visit an area that offers additional services, will I be entitled to them?

A. Probably not. As a general rule, local authorities will only provide additional services for their own residents. Some authorities, however, may provide them – check with the relevant authority in the area to which you intend to travel.

Q. I don’t live in London, but I visit relatives there occasionally. Will I be able to enjoy the same benefits as a Freedom Pass holder if I travel there?

A. No. Because those benefits are paid for by the London authorities, only London Freedom Pass holders will be able to enjoy additional local travel on the tube, trains and trams.

You will, however, be able to enjoy the statutory national concession of free off-peak bus travel when visiting the capital.

Q. How do I get a Nationwide concessionary travel pass?

A. Pick up an application form at one of our offices, or print one from this website, or contact us on 01843 577000

Q. What will my pass look like?

A. You can see the two types of passes below.

National Pass –elderly Pass with a blue strip down the right-hand side, is for people of pensionable age and over.
National Pass – disabled Pass with an orange strip down right-hand side, is for eligible disabled people.

Email:

buspermits@thanet.gov.uk

Phone: 01843 577000 or

Write to:

Bus Permit section

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