FAQs

Who issues concessionary passes?

Staffordshire County Council has been solely responsible for issuing concessionary passes since 1st April 2011.

How do I know if I qualify for a bus pass?

The qualifying age for Concessionary Travel changed on 1 April 2010 and is now increasing incrementally for both Men and Women. To see if you qualify for a bus pass, please look at the government's State Pension Calculator| which will, amongst other things, indicate when you become entitled to a bus pass.

I still have a pass issued by a District or Borough Council - can I still use it?

You can use it up until the expiry date printed on the front of the card. You will then need to apply for a new pass.

How do I apply for a bus pass?

If you need a new pass, or need to renew an existing one, you should go to your local library.

The library staff will process your application, take your photograph and mail out your pass.

You will need to take with you proof of your identity and where you live.

If you are applying for an Older Person's pass you will also need to take proof of your age.

If you are applying for a disabled pass you will also need to take proof of your disability.

It will take 7-10 working days for the pass to be processed.

If you live in Newcastle Borough you can also apply at The Guildhall in Newcastle, Kidsgrove Customer Service Centre and Chesterton One Stop Shop.

If you live in Lichfield District you can also apply at Lichfield District Council Offices in Frog Lane, Lichfield.

If you live in the Tamworth Borough you can also apply for a pass at Tamworth Borough Council offices in Marmion House, Tamworth.

When can I use my pass for free travel?

Free travel 24/7 in the Staffordshire County Council area (this does not include the City of Stoke on Trent) is available at any time to anyone with a District or County Council issued free bus pass when they board a local bus service anywhere in Staffordshire.

The bus pass also allows for free travel in the rest of England between 09.30 and 23.00 on Monday to Friday, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Where can I travel before 09.30?

You can travel free before 09.30 on any local bus service journey which starts in the Staffordshire County Council area. When making journeys outside of Staffordshire and for travel into Staffordshire before 09.30 you may have to pay.

Can I apply for a companion pass?

If you meet one or more of the following categories you can apply for a companion bus pass to enable a carer to accompany you free of charge on local bus services within the Staffordshire County Council area.

Registered or 'severely sight impaired' with Social Services
In receipt of the higher rate CARE component of the disability living allowance
In receipt of the higher rate CARERS allowance for 'help getting around' (not for help with cooking meals or personal hygiene)
Wheel chair bound or other severe disability that prevents the applicant from being able to travel unaided with supporting medical evidence.

You must supply supporting evidence. You will be then issued with a pass with a C+ logo entitling a carer to travel with you.

Can I still get travel tokens?

Staffordshire County Council will not be offering travel tokens. This is already an exceptional package, improving on the national standard.

However Staffordshire concessionary bus pass holders will be able to travel free at all times throughout the Staffordshire County Council area. Elderly and disabled people who are unable to travel unassisted can get a 'companion pass' which allows a carer to travel free along with the passenger.

Can I still get an Elderly & Disabled Persons Railcard?

Although Staffordshire County Council will not be offering this, you will be able to buy a railcard at your local staffed rail station for £26 per year. This will provide 1/3 discount on rail fares. This will not affect your entitlement to a bus pass.

My Bus pass does not work on the smart card reader on the bus?

Please contact the number on the back of your card for a replacement.

I live in Stoke-on-Trent, how will this affect me?

You should contact Stoke-on-Trent City Council| direct on 01782 234567

What if my card is lost, stolen or damaged?

You will be charged £10 to replace lost or damaged cards. Stolen cards will be replaced free of charge if you have reported the theft to the police and been given a crime number. If you wish to pay by card, please contact Staffordshire County Council on 0300 111 8000 or visit any local library to pay by cash.

Data Protection

The information that you provide will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 and relevant legislation. The Council is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and may use information held about you for the prevention and detection of fraud and other lawful purposes. The Council may also use the information for the purpose of performing any of its statutory enforcement duties. It will make any disclosures required by law and may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.