Bus pass

Eligible older and disabled people are entitled to free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.

Who is eligible for an older person's bus pass

If you live in England, you'll be entitled to a bus pass giving free off-peak travel on local buses when you reach 'eligible age'. If you were born after 5 April 1950, the age you become eligible is tied to changes in the State Pension age for women. This affects both men and women.

Women born after 5 April 1950

If you're a woman born after 5 April 1950, you'll become eligible for an older person's bus pass when you reach pensionable age.

Men born after 5 April 1950

If you're a man born after 5 April 1950, you'll become eligible when you reach the pensionable age of a woman born on the same day.

You can check when you'll become eligible by entering your sex and date of birth into the State Pension age calculator in the link to the government website on the right.

Who is eligible for a disabled person's bus pass

You're eligible for a disabled person's pass if you live in England 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.

To apply for a bus pass in Greater Manchester, please contact Transport for Greater Manchester to request an application form. The link to their contact details is on the right.

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