Concessionary Bus Travel - The best things in life are free!

1 year ago Tue 19th Sep 2023

Concessionary travelIf you're aged 66 or over, you could be eligible for a free concessionary bus pass.

A concessionary bus pass could be your key to freedom across England. There are so many wonderful places to explore across the North East, why not check out our 'Things to Do' section

Free travel is available for all local residents over 66 and at pensionable age or registered disabled with a concessionary bus pass.

Free travel times

Free travel is available from 9.30am Monday to Friday (9am in Northumberland) and all day at weekends and on bank holidays, with some other differences for each area. Further information for each area below.

Tyne and Wear

Holders of Nexus “All Day” disabled concessionary travel passes can travel free before 9.30am as long as the journey begins within Tyne and Wear.

Holders of Nexus concessionary travel passes who can show a valid hospital appointment card or letter can travel free with a concessionary pass before 9.30am on the day of the appointment. This includes appointments outside of Tyne and Wear, as long as your journey starts within Tyne and Wear.

Free travel on all local bus services after 9.30am Monday to Friday, as well as all day on weekends and bank holidays.

If you live in Tyne and Wear and are eligible disabled, you may have been issued with a disabled concessionary pass marked ‘with companion’. This entitles both you and a travelling companion to travel together free of charge. Your companion cannot use your pass on their own.

County Durham

Durham County Council concessionary travel pass holders will have to pay a flat fare of 50p each time you board a bus in County Durham before 9.30am on Monday to Friday.

Free travel on all local bus services after 9.30am Monday to Friday, as well as all day weekends and bank holidays.

If you live in County Durham and are eligible disabled, you may have been issued with a disabled concessionary pass marked ‘with companion’. This entitles both you and a travelling companion to travel together free of charge. Your companion cannot use your pass on their own.

Northumberland

In Northumberland

Northumberland Disabled Person’s pass can travel at any time on any bus service within Northumberland.

Outside Northumberland

The National Concessionary bus pass allows you free off-peak travel on local buses in England between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays and all day weekends and bank holidays.

If you live in Northumberland and are eligible disabled, you may have been issued with a disabled concessionary pass marked ‘with companion’. This entitles both you and a travelling companion to travel together free of charge. Your companion cannot use your pass on their own.

Tees Valley

Holders of concessionary travel passes issued by the Tees Valley authorities will be charged a flat fare of 30p on buses before 9.30am Monday to Friday when the journey starts within these areas.

Free travel on all local bus services after 9.30am Monday to Friday, as well as all weekends and bank holidays.

Depending on where you live, there is a different application process. Select an area from the list below to find out what passes are available and how to get your hands on one. For those over 60, eligibility is based on a sliding scale depending on your normal retirement age.