Bus passes
Information on the national concessionary bus pass scheme which offers free nationwide off-peak travel on local buses in England.
A brand new national concessionary bus pass travel scheme replaced the current local scheme on 1 April 2008. The new scheme entitles those aged 60 and over, and qualifying disabled people, to free off-peak travel on all local buses anywhere in England.
Hertsmere Borough Council arranged for the production of the new smartcard format bus passes for all existing pass holders. See image below:
Bus pass holders under the 2007-2008 scheme were automatically sent a new pass in the post prior to 1 April 2008 so long as they provided us with a new photograph. (We wrote to all current holders in August and October 2007).
Please contact the Bus Pass Team on 020 8207 7408 or email buspass@hertsmere.gov.uk and let us know if you were a pass holder under the previous scheme but have not received a new smartcard pass for 2008-9.
Who is eligible for the new free nationwide bus pass?
The pass is available to permanent residents of Hertsmere who:
- Are aged 60 or over or,
- Have one of the following disabilities:
- Blind or partially sighted
- Profoundly or severely deaf, without natural speech
- Severe walking difficulties (a substantial and long-term adverse affect on their ability to walk)
- Does not have arms or has long-term loss of the use of both arms
- Has had a learning disability since childhood, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning
- Driving licence refusal due to a medical condition (except in the case of drugs or alcohol misuse)
- Severe mental health problems
- Severe learning difficulties from birth
Where and when can I travel with the new free nationwide bus pass?
The new national scheme allows pass holders free off-peak bus travel on local bus services anywhere within England (it does not cover travel in Scotland and Wales). This means week days after 9.30am and weekends and bank holidays.
Within Hertfordshire though, pass holders are offered free travel anytime of the day without restriction.
Conditions of use may vary in other areas of the country so you may wish to check other authority areas before planning your journey.
Can I use long distance coaches such as National Express?
The scheme does not include scheduled long distance coach services such as National Express. The scheme is aimed at offering free travel on local busses. If you are unsure whether a service is 'local' then please contact the operator before travelling.
I had a 2007-2008 pass and photo card from the council. What do I need to do to get a new nationwide pass if I have not received one ?
So long as you provided us with a new photograph for your 2008-2009 pass (we wrote to all current holders in August and October of 2007) and provided you did not move house or changed name since being issued with your 2007 concessionary bus pass, you should have been sent a new one in the post prior to 1 April 2008.
Please contact the Bus Pass Team on 020 8207 7408 or email buspass@hertsmere.gov.uk and let us know if you were a pass holder under the previous scheme but have not received a new smartcard pass for 2008-9.
Why do I need a new bus pass if I already have one from the council?
This is because the new scheme is nationwide and it will be necessary to have a nationally recognised bus pass. The government has therefore decided to introduce a standard bus pass throughout England.
Where do I get my new pass?
Customers with a current pass who provided a new photograph when the council wrote to holders in August and October 2007 will have been sent a new pass in the post prior to 1 April 2008.
Please contact the Bus Pass Team on 020 8207 7408 or email buspass@hertsmere.gov.uk and let us know if you were a pass holder under the previous scheme but have not received a new smartcard pass for 2008-9.
Will I have to pay?
No. The passes will be issued free of charge but you may have to pay for a replacement if you lose your pass.
Is there a limit on how many journeys I can make?
No. The new scheme allows you to travel off-peak (although there is no time restriction within Hertfordshire) on local buses as far and as much as you like. However, conditions of use may vary in other areas so you may want to check before you travel.
Where can I find out more information about the new scheme?
Visit the Department for Transport website which has more more details on the concessionary bus pass scheme 
.
I do not have a local concessionary bus pass at the moment/I didn't provide a new photograph - how do I get a bus pass?
For all permit applications:
Applications must be made in person at any of the following offices:
- The Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood. T: 020 8207 7408
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm - The Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar. T: 01707 652 406
Monday to Friday 9.30am to 2pm - Bushey Community Centre, High Street, Bushey. T: 020 8386 4048
Monday to Friday 9.30am to 2pm - Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett. Tel: 01923 856 433
Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12 noon
You must bring with you:
Photographs: A recent passport style and size photograph. Please write your name and post code clearly on the back of the photograph.
Proof of age: You must include a copy of one of the following:
- Birth certificate
- Pension book
- Passport
- Driving licence
Proof of address: You must include a copy of one of the following:
- Utility bill (for example a gas or electricity bill)
- Driving licence
- Council tax bill
Proof of disability: If you are registered blind or partially sighted please provide a letter or card from Hertfordshire County council showing your registration number.
If you are applying due to a disability, please contact us immediately as below so we can send you an application form which you must take to your GP so they can certify your condition. Once you have done this please bring the form to either the Civic Offices or to one of the area offices as shown above.
If you require any further information, please contact us on 020 8207 7408 or by email at buspass@hertsmere.gov.uk.
Using your pass
When you get on a bus, show your pass to the driver (or conductor).
You must keep your pass with you throughout your journey and show it to anyone who identifies themselves as a bus inspector.
What to do if you lose your pass or if it is stolen
If you lose your pass, please notify us immediately. A charge of £5 will be made to reissue you with a replacement. The new pass will be sent to you within 10 working days of receiving payment. Please make cheques payable to Hertsmere Borough Council.
If your pass is stolen, please report this to us together with a crime reference number from the police. We will issue you with a replacement within ten working days.
What to do if your details change
- Please contact us on 020 8207 7408 or email buspass@hertsmere.gov.uk.
- If you move, contact us immediately so any further passes can be sent to the correct address.
- If you move out of the district, you must return the pass to us and apply to your new local council.
- If you no longer need your pass, please return it to us.
Rail travel
Half-rate rail travel on First Capital Connect
Bus permit holders can obtain a 50% discount on First Capital Connect cheap day return fares for any journey between Bedford and Elstree and Borehamwood after 10am on weekdays and anytime at weekends and on bank holidays. This concession is not available for season tickets or with other discount offers (e.g. senior citizen rail cards). Children travelling with permit holders pay £1 only. If you have any queries please contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
The Department for Transport website contains a section of the most frequently asked questions relating to concessionary travel.
If you require any further information from Hertsmere Borough Council, please contact us on 020 8207 7408 or by email at buspass@hertsmere.gov.uk.