Renewal information for passes or vouchers that expire on 31 March 2024
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Age related free travel bus pass
Select tab for Age related free travel bus pass -
Disabled persons free travel bus pass
Select tab for Disabled persons free travel bus pass -
Travel voucher scheme
Select tab for Travel voucher scheme -
Scheme documents & privacy notices
Select tab for Scheme documents & privacy notices
Age related free travel bus pass
If you are entitled to an age related free travel bus pass, you can now make an application by applying online or calling our information line on 0345 600 0659 and they will provide guidance on what to do next.
We provide the national statutory scheme which is free bus travel anywhere in England during the following periods:
- between the hours of 9.30am and 11.00pm Monday to Friday
- all day Saturday and Sunday
- all day on Bank Holidays
Frequently asked questions
If you live in Suffolk, you will be entitled to a bus pass giving free off-peak travel on local buses when you reach 'eligible age'. This is tied to the state pension age.
Check which date you'll become eligible for a bus pass by using the state pension age calculator (external).
- Apply online
- request an application form for an age related free travel bus pass online. (Please ensure you are eligible for an Age Related Free Travel Bus Pass before requesting your application form) *Please note: This service is currently unavailable
- download an age related free travel bus pass application form (PDF 171KB) Please ensure to print out on A4
- pick up any of the application forms from Suffolk County Council Offices or libraries
Please ensure you are eligible before requesting or downloading an application form, you can check which date you will become eligible for a bus pass by using the state pension age calculator (external).
All application forms will require a passport photograph and proof of eligibility.
Please don't send original proof documents, send photocopies only. Suffolk County Council can't accept any responsibility for items that are mislaid in the post. No documentation will be returned.
Suffolk County Council is unable to cover any costs incurred getting any letters/proof required from the medical profession or other specified medical person to support your application.
Completed applications are to be returned with a passport-sized photograph to:
SCC Free Travel Bus PassPO Box 212
Waterlooville
PO7 6ZN
Please note we are only able to process Suffolk County Council application forms. Forms previously produced by borough or district councils will not be accepted.
*Off peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays.
You will only be entitled to free travel if a ticket is issued between these hours, regardless of the scheduled departure time.
Suffolk County Council offer an enhancement to the scheme to allow journeys before 0930 on services where there are no other journeys available to before 1200 from a specific bus stop.
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 the route is registered as a local bus service.
If in doubt check with the operator. Find contact details for your bus operator.
Yes, as you have previously lived out of the County, you will need to apply for a new pass issued by Suffolk County Council.
You are required to notify your previous County Council about this change of address in order for them to cancel your current pass.
No, the bus pass can only be used within England.
You should be able to use your English National Concessionary Bus Pass issued by Suffolk County Council on buses in London. You will need to show your pass to the driver. This does not include free travel on the tube, trains and trams as this is an additional benefit paid for by the London authorities for use with their Freedom Pass.
Before travelling in London you may wish to check with the transport provider the conditions of use. To find out which company operates each route and who to contact, please check the TfL website - TfL route operators
Probably not. As a general rule local councils will only provide additional services for their own residents.
It is best to check with other local councils before you travel.
The pass will be printed on white plastic and will include your photo on the front and a blue strip on the side.
Lost passes
If you lose your pass, you can order a replacement pass online.
Alternatively contact our information line on 0345 6000659 and they will provide guidance on what to do next.
Please note that a replacement fee may be applicable.
Stolen passes
If your pass is stolen, you can order a free replacement by contacting our information line on 0345 6000659 and they will provide guidance on what to do next.
Please note that a crime reference number will be required if not a replacement fee may be applicable.
If you need to inform us of a recent change of address, please call our call centre on 0345 6000659
If your pass is due to expire and has been used within the last 12 months it will be automatically renewed and sent to your registered address.
If you have not used your pass in the past 12 months you are able to renew online up to 42 days before its expiry date.
You can also renew your pass if it has expired in the past 12 months and you have not received a new one.
No. If your pass isn't scanning on buses it isn't the pass that's faulty, it is more likely that the reader on the bus has not been programmed to read your pass.
If your pass doesn't scan, provided it has a valid expiry date and is used off peak*, the driver must allow you to use it as a flashcard and free travel is applicable. You should not be charged for the journey.
Please note
Suffolk County Council hotlist invalid Free Travel Bus Passes.
If your pass is registered as invalid on the ticket machine you will be required to surrender the pass to the driver and obtain a new pass.
For further information and to obtain a new pass please contact us on 0345 600 0659.
No, the free travel bus pass is not valid on these services.
Ipswich Park and Ride services don't form part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme and therefore free travel isn't available on these services for Free Travel Bus Pass holders.
Suffolk County Council recognises that the Park and Ride services are an important part of the sustainable transport network for Ipswich, therefore holders of a Free Travel Bus Pass will be able to buy discounted single return tickets.
How much do tickets cost with a Free Travel Bus Pass?
Free Travel Bus Pass holders are able to buy a discounted single return ticket for £2 which can be used at anytime on Park & Ride services only.
Is there a concessionary Endeavour Card for Free Travel Bus Pass holders?
No, we are unable to provide concessionary smartcards on the service and discounted tickets must be purchased individually.
Disabled persons free travel bus pass
If you are entitled to an disabled persons free travel bus pass, you can now apply online or make an application by calling our information line on 0345 600 0659 and they will provide guidance on what to do next.
We provide the national statutory scheme which is free bus travel anywhere in England during the following periods:
- between the hours of 9.30am and 11.00pm Monday to Friday
- all day Saturday and Sunday
- all day on Bank Holidays
Frequently asked questions
You're eligible for a disabled persons pass if you live in Suffolk and are 'eligible disabled'. This means you:
- are blind or partially sighted
- are profoundly or severely deaf
- are without speech
- have a disability, or have suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to walk
- don’t have arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
- have a learning disability
You're also eligible disabled if your application for a driving licence would be refused under section 92 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (physical fitness).
However, you won't be eligible if you were refused because of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.
For more information view Suffolk County Council's disability eligibility guidance
- Apply online
- You can request an application form for the Disabled Persons Bus Pass online *Please note: This service is currently unavailable
- You can download a Disabled Persons Free Travel Bus Pass application form (PDF 167KB) Please ensure to print on A4 paper
- Alternatively you can pick up any of the application forms from Suffolk County Council offices or libraries.
All application forms will require a passport photograph and proof of eligibility.
Please don't send original proof documents, send photocopies only. Suffolk County Council can't accept any responsibility for items that are mislaid in the post and no documentation will be returned.
Suffolk County Council is unable to cover any costs incurred getting any letters/proof required from the medical profession or other specified medical person to support your application.
Please note that for evidence provided under categories D & G, a Free Travel Bus Pass will be issued for the period of time relating to the expiry of the evidence provided. Evidence provided must be for a minimum of 12 months.
Completed applications are to be returned with a passport-sized photograph to:
SCC Free Travel Bus PassPO Box 212
Waterlooville
PO7 6ZN
Please note that we are only able to process Suffolk County Council application forms. Forms previously produced by Borough or District Council's will not be accepted.
*Off peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays.
You will only be entitled to free travel if a ticket is issued between these hours, regardless of the scheduled departure time.
Suffolk County Council offer an enhancement to the scheme to allow journeys before 0930 on services where there are no other journeys available to before 1200 from a specific bus stop.
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 the route is registered as a local bus service.
If in doubt check with the operator. Find contact details for your bus operator.
Yes, as you have previously lived out of the County, you will need to apply for a new pass issued by Suffolk County Council.
You are required to notify your previous County Council about this change of address in order for them to cancel your current pass.
No, the bus pass can only be used within England.
You should be able to use your English National Concessionary Bus Pass issued by Suffolk County Council on buses in London. You will need to show your pass to the driver. This does not include free travel on the tube, trains and trams as this is an additional benefit paid for by the London authorities for use with their Freedom Pass.
Before travelling in London you may wish to check with the transport provider the conditions of use. To find out which company operates each route and who to contact, please check the TfL website - TfL route operators
Probably not. As a general rule local councils will only provide additional services for their own residents.
It is best to check with other local councils before you travel.
The pass will be printed on white plastic and will include your photo on the front and an orange strip on the side.
Lost passes
If you lose your pass, you can order a replacement pass online.
Alternatively contact our information line on 0345 6000659 and they will provide guidance on what to do next.
Please note that a replacement fee may be applicable.
Stolen passes
If your pass is stolen, you can order a free replacement by contacting our information line on 0345 6000659 and they will provide guidance on what to do next.
Please note that a crime reference number will be required if not a replacement fee may be applicable.
If you need to inform us of a recent change of address, please call our call centre on 0345 6000659
No, Suffolk County Council are unable to provide companion passes and do not accept out of county companion passes.
If your pass is due to expire and you qualify under categories A,B,C,E or F it will be automatically renewed and sent to your registered address.
If you qualify for a pass under categories D or G new evidence is required to renew your pass. This can be submitted online.
You can also renew your pass if it has expired in the past 12 months and you have not received a new one.
No, if your pass is not scanning on the bus it's not the pass that is faulty, it's more likely that the reader on the bus has not been programmed to read your pass.
If your pass doesn't scan (provided it has a valid expiry date and is used off peak*) the driver must allow you to use it as a flashcard and free travel is applicable. You should not be charged for the journey.
Please note
Suffolk County Council hotlist invalid Free Travel Bus Passes.
If your pass is registered as invalid on the ticket machine you will be required to surrender the pass to the driver and obtain a new pass.
For further information and to obtain a new pass please contact us on 0345 600 0659.
No, the free travel bus pass is not valid on these services.
Ipswich Park and Ride services don't form part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme and therefore free travel isn't available on these services for Free Travel Bus Pass holders.
Suffolk County Council recognises that the Park and Ride services are an important part of the sustainable transport network for Ipswich, therefore holders of a Free Travel Bus Pass will be able to buy discounted single return tickets.
How much do tickets cost with a Free Travel Bus Pass?
Free Travel Bus Pass holders are able to buy a discounted single return ticket for £2 which can be used at anytime on Park & Ride services only.
Is there a concessionary Endeavour Card for Free Travel Bus Pass holders?
No, we are unable to provide concessionary smartcards on the service and discounted tickets must be purchased individually.
Travel voucher scheme
We recognise that there are a number of people who can't access the benefits of free travel on conventional bus services like other residents who qualify for and use a bus pass do.
This could either be for reasons of severe disability or the fact that due to their location, such services are unavailable to them.
The council therefore offers a benefit to those persons in the form of travel vouchers that can be used towards the use of community transport, taxis or private hire vehicles.
The value of the vouchers issued is £100 per annum.
Customers who have travel vouchers waive their right to a free bus pass.
Frequently asked questions
For disability qualification:
Anyone with a disability/blindness or injury which has a substantial and long-term effect on their ability to walk. This being of such severity that you are unable to use conventional public transport services at any time (whether or not those services are available).
Persons applying must provide details of the reason or reasons that you are unable to use conventional public transport and have their application form endorsed by someone who is professionally qualified e.g. doctor/community nurse or involved in your treatment or care.
For remoteness qualification:
For residents who would qualify for a free travel bus pass but are unable to use the pass as there are insufficient bus services to and from the parish they live in with no more than 3 return public bus journeys per week to a town with shops and other services (e.g. healthcare, banking, etc.).
Residents applying for and being issued with travel vouchers will not be entitled to a bus pass and give up their right to have one by accepting vouchers instead.
Suffolk County Council is unable to cover any costs incurred getting any letters/proof required from the medical profession or other specified medical person to support your claim for vouchers.
Please don't send original proof documents, send photocopies only. Suffolk County Council can't accept any responsibility for items that are mislaid in the post. No documentation will be returned.
- request an application form for travel vouchers online *Please note: This service is currently unavailable
- download a travel vouchers application form (PDF 115KB) Please ensure to print out on A4 paper
- call us on 0345 6000659
- pick up any of the application forms from Suffolk County Council offices or libraries
All application forms will require a passport photograph and proof of eligibility.
Please don't send original proof documents, send photocopies only. Suffolk County Council can't accept any responsibility for items that are mislaid in the post. No documentation will be returned.
Completed applications are to be returned with a passport-sized photograph to:
SCC Free Travel Bus PassPO Box 212
Waterlooville
PO7 6ZN
Please note that we are only able to process Suffolk County Council application forms. Forms previously produced by borough or district councils will not be accepted.
If you are currently in receipt of a free travel bus pass, this will have to be returned with your completed form in order for us to process your application.
You will receive a booklet of vouchers which are in £1 and £2 denominations, which can be used to pay for your journey by community transport, taxi or private hire vehicles.
Vouchers will be valid from 1 April each year until the 31 March the following year.
If you join part way through the year, you will be given a pro-rata reduced number of vouchers.
Once you have received the vouchers, Suffolk County Council will contact you each year to see if you wish to continue to receive them and arrange for further vouchers to be sent.
Please note that the colours used on vouchers will change each year so they are easily identifiable to customers and operators.
Vouchers are accepted on participating community transport, taxis or private hire vehicles.
A full list of operators who accept Travel Vouchers is available online.
Alternatively you can ring 0345 6000659.
Before you make your journey, check that the driver is registered with the scheme and will accept the vouchers.
Each voucher will be personalised to you with your name and photo (it will also have an ID number that will be repeated on each of the vouchers). Vouchers are not transferable to another person.
You can use vouchers at their face value to pay some or all the cost of a journey up to a maximum of £20.
The driver will not give you change, so make sure you use them only as part payment for a journey (if your journey costs £3.70 you will not get 30p change if you used £4 worth of vouchers).
Vouchers are only valid for journeys that start or finish within the county borders of Suffolk and can't be used on conventional transport such as buses and trains.
Unfortunately, the vouchers can't be used after the expiry date.
You must notify the us immediately by calling 0345 6000659 so that they can be cancelled in our records.
Replacement vouchers will be issued at our discretion.
Please note that a replacement fee may be applicable.
Scheme documents & privacy notices
Documents
Conditions of issue and use of Suffolk County Council Concessionary Bus Passes (PDF 24KB)
Suffolk Operator Letter (PDF 101KB)
Scheme Definition (PDF 278KB)
Arrangements for reimbursement (PDF 238KB)
Suffolk County Council - Disability Eligibility Guidance (PDF 41KB)
List of Taxi Operators (PDF 149KB)
How we use your personal information
For information about how Suffolk County Council (SCC) collects and uses personal data to provide and manage services please click here, or alternatively please contact the Concessionary Travel team on 0345 600 0659.
SCC is required by law to protect the public funds it administers. To prevent and detect fraud it may share information provided to it with other bodies for these purposes and for; auditing or administering public funds. More information about how we collect and use personal data is available here, or alternatively contact Internal Audit on 01473 265887.
Further information
To find out more information on the free travel bus pass call our information line on 0345 6000659