From 1 April 2008 if you are 60 or over, or eligible disabled and live in England, your bus pass will allow you to enjoy free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.
Suffolk pass holders will have the additional benefit of being able to travel at any time (24 hours a day, seven days a week for journeys starting in Suffolk). This is an additional benefit, which may not be offered by other counties, so be aware that this benefit may not be available to you when you travel outside of Suffolk.
If you already hold a Suffolk Saver bus pass your new national bus pass will automatically be sent to you during the last two weeks of March 2008.
What is the new national bus pass?
Since 1 April 2006, bus pass users have been guaranteed a minimum of free off-peak local bus travel within the local authority area in which they live, but from 1 April 2008, the new national bus pass will enable bus pass users to get free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.
Am I eligible for a national bus pass?
To be eligible for a national bus pass from St Edmundsbury, you must permanently live in the borough of St Edmundsbury and be aged 60 or over or have a qualifying disability.
If you have a disability, you qualify for a national bus pass if you:
- are blind or partially sighted;
- are profoundly or severely deaf;
- are without speech;
- have impaired walking;
- are without arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms;
- have a learning disability;
- are not permitted to drive or likely to be refused a driving licence on medical grounds.
When exactly is off-peak travel?
Off peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday, and all day weekends and bank holidays.
What is the definition of a ‘local’ bus?
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, pass holders can check with the service operator if their pass will entitle them to free travel for the route.
Will I be able to enjoy free travel everywhere within the UK?
No, the bus can only be used within England.
Is it only applicable to buses?
The bus pass is only for local bus services.
If I visit an area that offers additional services, will I be entitled to them?
Probably not, as a general rule, local councils will only provide additional services for their own residents. Some authorities, however, may provide them, check with the relevant councils in the area to which you intend to travel.
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?
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.
Do I need to get a new style pass if I am not planning to travel outside my local area?
All existing bus passes are being replaced with new style passes automatically so travel can be taken in the local area and anywhere in England for free. Any new bus passes issued will be the new style for National Free Travel.
What will my pass look like?
The pass will be printed on white plastic and include your photograph. Passes for those aged 60 and over have a blue strip down the right-hand side and those for eligible disabled people will have an orange strip.
How do I apply?
Select the national bus pass application form in PDF format link below, which you can then print and complete.
National bus pass application form (PDF 37Kb)
National bus pass application notes (PDF 37Kb)
Please sign your completed form and send it together with proof of residency, your age or disability and one passport size colour photograph of yourself to:
Concessionary Fares
St Edmundsbury Borough Council
St Edmundsbury House
Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 3YU
You can also take your completed application form to any of the places listed below:
Borough Offices, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds
Bus and Coach Station, St Andrews Street North, Bury St Edmunds
Council Offices, Lower Downs Slade, Haverhill
What if I lose my pass?
We will issue you with a free pass, but if you need a replacement we charge you £5.
Please contact the bus pass administration team if you have any other questions:
Phone: 01284 757372 or
Email: bus.passes@ stedsbc.gov.uk
For more detailed information please follow link www.Direct.gov.uk/buspass
