 Frequently Asked Questions on New National Travel Scheme.
1. What is The New National Concessionary Travel Scheme?
This is a new national scheme for senior citizens and other concessionary applicants which will entitle holders to free local bus travel anywhere in England. It starts on 1 April 2008.
2. Can I travel on National Express, coaches or rail?
Most National Express and other coach services are not included in the scheme. To avoid disappointment you should check with the service provider before you travel. The new scheme does not apply to rail services
3. Can I get a bus pass for the new National Concessionary Travel Scheme?
If you already hold a concessionary bus pass we will be contacting you with details of how you apply for the new card.
4. I don't have a bus pass at the moment but would like one. How can I apply?
If you do not currently hold a pass you are eligible if you:-
• are 60 year of age or over;
• or you suffer from a disability, and;
• your primary residence is in Breckland District Council's area
You can either apply now (or when eligible) using the current form and you will then receive a new application form to apply for the new style pass at a later date or you can wait until the new scheme is in and apply in April 2008.
If you wish to apply for a current bus pass please call on 01362 656870 for a form. You can also email us at contactus@breckland.gov.uk or download a form on our website
4. When will I receive details of the new style pass for National bus travel?
The new application forms have been sent out in batches, if you are a current bus pass holder and you haven’t received the new form by the beginning of March please call us and we will make sure that you get a new application form.
5. When will I get my new card?
You will receive your card in March 2008 if you returned your application form by 31st January 2008, anyone that has returned a form after this date will receive their new bus pass as soon as possible.
6. How much will I have to pay for the new pass?
Nothing - it's free!
Although the council will charge a fee for replacing lost passes
7. Will there be any change in eligibility for a new pass?
No. It remains 60 years of age and over, and those who qualify by way of disability under Section 146 of the Transport Act 2000. Your primary residence must be in Breckland.
8. When can I use my pass?
You can travel anytime between 8:30am to 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and bank holidays. Please note that this applies to all journeys in Norfolk, if you are travelling outside Norfolk you may only be entitled to travel from 9:30am, it depends on local rules
9. Will travel companions receive a separate pass?
No, but if the holder of a new pass is entitled to travel with a companion this will be indicated in their pass.
10. Can I use the photos from my existing pass?
No you will need to provide us with a new passport sized photo which has been taken within the last 12 months.
11. Can I collect my new bus pass in person?
No, the new passes are being produced by a card management company and will be posted to you direct.
12. My bus pass doesn't expire until 2010 can I use this instead?
No, this is a new scheme and you will need a new card. Please complete an application form and send this back to Euclid as soon as possible
13. I have a second home here in Norfolk, can I apply here?
No, the pass is only issued by the authority where your primary residence is.
14. I recently moved within Norfolk to Breckland and I have been using my bus pass from another Norfolk Council. How do I apply for the new bus pass scheme?
You can continue using your existing bus pass, unless it has expired, and you will need to contact us nearer to April so we can send out a new form to apply for the scheme
If you have been sent a form from your previous Council, please disregard this as you will need to complete a Breckland form.
15. I will be moving out of the Breckland area in the near future and I have received a new bus pass form from Breckland Council. Should I complete this?
No -you will need to contact your new council and request an application form from them.
16. Can I use my existing pass after April 1st 2008?
Yes, to ensure that the transition to the new passes is made as easy as possible you will be allowed to use your existing pass until the new-style passes are issued. This will only be for a few months after April 1st.
17. Will data about me be held on the card?
No, the only information encoded on the card will be the 18 digit card number, the type of concession (age/disability), the expiry date and whether the holder is entitled to travel with a companion.
18. What will the bus pass look like?
The new Bus Pass will be an electronic card with details stored in a magnetic strip. Some information and a photograph will show on the front.All bus passes will conform to a national standard design.
19. Do I have to flash or swipe the card?
Some buses may have the facility to swipe the card. Where there is no swipe facility the card will need to be shown.
20. What should I do with my existing card?
Hold onto it until you have received your new card. You will need to continue using your existing card until 1st April 2008 because your new card will not be valid before this date.
21. I have lost my envelope to send off the application form - where do I send it to?
Please send to:
P.O.Box 212
Waterlooville
PO7 6ZN
You will need to put a stamp on the envelope.
22. I have spoilt my application form - can I have a replacement?
Don't worry - as long as you make all your details clear on the form it will be accepted. If you have spoiled the photo area - please attach your photo with sellotape. You can use a spare sheet of paper to make details clear but you MUST return your application form as this is proof that you are entitled to a pass.
23. I have lost my application form
We can send out a replacement application form, please call us on 01362 656870 or email us at contactus@breckland.gov.uk
24. Can I travel in London?
Yes - you will be able to travel off-peak on local London buses. Please note that this is a bus scheme and therefore will not be accepted on the tube.
25. What about people in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
Other countries in the United Kingdom operate their own schemes and therefore the passes are not valid outside of that country
26. What happens when a bus service in England reaches the border with Scotland or Wales?
The national concession guarantees free off peak local bus travel for eligible residents of England within England but not within Scotland, Wale or Northern Ireland. Some local authorities do have the discretion to make special arrangements where they feel appropriate. This could include short cross border travel however this will be at the discretion of the issuing/accepting authorities.
27. Can I travel in Europe with this pass?
No - this is a National bus scheme that only applies to England
28. What Government department is responsible for the introduction and implementation of the new National Concessionary Bus Fares Scheme?
The Department for Transport is responsible. Please find more details on the Department for Transport website.
29. I am registered blind; in the current scheme I am able to travel at anytime without restriction, will the new scheme also allow me to do this?
Yes. Although the Department of Transport does not provide funding for this extra concession Norfolk Concessionary Fares Group subsidise this. You may only be able to travel at anytime within Norfolk unless other counties decide to subsidise travellers who are blind.
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