Concessionary fares
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The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme offers free travel on local public transport for people of pensionable age and those with an eligible disability.
It allows pass holders off peak travel, for free all over England on local bus services.
Am I eligible to qualify?
The qualifying age for concessionary bus passes is the same as the pensionable age of UK residents. To check your date of entitlement, please visit GOV.UK pension state age.
To qualify automatically on the grounds of a disability you must receive one of the following:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP), where the applicant has been awarded at least eight points against either the PIP 'moving around' and/or 'communicating verbally'
- Blue Badge
- War Pensioners Mobility (WPC) Supplement
If you receive none of the above you may still be eligible to apply. To find our full eligibility guidelines, view the guidance to local authorities on assessing eligibility of disabled people in England for concessionary bus travel
How do I apply?
Applications should be made by completing an application form online.
If you do not have access to a computer (PC), you can make an appointment to use our self-service computers free of charge at the Central Library.
If you need access to a PC you can book a 45 minute free appointment by either:
- calling 01582 510373 on Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm
- booking a PC at a library near you
New applications should be made by completing an application form online.
Apply for a new pensioner smartcard online
What do I need to provide with the application?
new applications need the following:
- proof of date of birth (a valid - passport/birth certificate/driving licence)
- proof of address dated within the last three months at the time of application (utility bills or bank statement or council tax letter
- recent passport size photo
I have some further questions
Telephone - 01582 547256
Email - [email protected]
New applications should be made by completing an application form online.
Apply for a new disability smartcard online
What do I need to provide with the application?
All applications need the following:
- proof of address dated within the last three months at the time of application (utility bills or bank statement or council tax letter)
- proof of disability:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA) or
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP), where the applicant has been awarded at least eight points against either the PIP “Moving around” and/or “communicating verbally” or
- Blue Badge, or
- War Pensioners Mobility (WPC) Supplement
I have some further questions
Telephone - 01582 547256
Email - [email protected]
All other applications including disability smartcard renewals or +Companion passes should be made by completing an application form and emailing it to [email protected] or posting it to the provided address, with relevant proofs and passport size photograph. The form can be found at the bottom of this page. If you are unable to print or email the form, contact us on 01582 547256 or email [email protected].
How do I start the application process?
You must download, print off and fill in the application for concessionary travel smartcard form.
Please return completed forms to
Customer Service
Town Hall
George Street
Luton, Bedfordshire
LU1 2BQ
Please note all applications are dealt by post. Applications can take up to 15 working days to be processed.
I have some further questions
Telephone - 01582 547256
Email - [email protected]
How much is a renewal or replacement card?
Renewal smartcard
Expired smartcards can be renewed free of charge.
Replacement smartcard
As of 2 March 2020, the replacement smartcard charge is £13.50.
Concessionary travel notice
The Concessionary Travel Statutory Notice contains the details of how we manage the English National Concessionary Fares Scheme for the mentioned financial year. The Statutory Notice for 2019-20 and 2020-21 is as below. Please be advised that the scheme and the services may be affected by the current Coronavirus pandemic!
National Fraud Initiative (NFI) Fair Processing
We have a duty to protect the public funds we administer, and to this end may use the information you have provided in respect of your bus pass application, for the prevention and detection of fraud. We may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.
Visit our NFI page for more information.
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Town Hall, George Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2BQ
Tel: 01582 547256
[email protected]