Henry Horton
If you are under 22 years old and live in Scotland, you are eligible for free bus travel across the country. You will need to apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC, which you must carry with you when travelling. You can apply for the card online or through your local council. If you are between 16 and 21 years old and already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC, you can download free bus travel onto your existing card using the Transport Scot Pass Collect app.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible? | Young people aged 5-21 living in Scotland for more than 6 months of the year |
| How to apply? | Apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) |
| Where is it valid? | Local and long-distance bus services within Scotland, except for some premium-fare services, sightseeing buses, cross-border services and dedicated school buses |
| What to do when travelling? | Show the card to the bus driver and tap it on the electronic ticket machine |
| Who needs to apply on behalf of 5-15 year olds? | Parents or guardians |
| Who can apply themselves? | Young people aged 16-21 |
| Who doesn't need a card? | Children under 5 years old |
What You'll Learn
Who is eligible for free bus travel in Scotland?
The Scottish Government has introduced free bus travel for people of all ages in Scotland, with certain eligibility criteria.
Under 22s
As of January 2022, all young people and children aged 5-21 who live in Scotland for most of the year (at least six months) can apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC, which gives them access to free bus travel. Children under 5 can already travel for free and do not need a card.
Over 60s
People aged 60 and over who live in Scotland can apply for a card to access free bus travel.
Disabled people
Disabled people in Scotland who meet the eligibility criteria can also apply for a card to access free bus travel. This includes people who:
- Receive certain benefits, such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Adult Disability Payment, etc.
- Live in a care home or hospital and qualify for certain benefits
- Are Blue Badge holders
- Are profoundly or severely deaf
- Have a sight impairment
- Have been told not to drive on medical grounds
- Have a mental health condition recognised under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
- Have a learning disability and need to travel to see a Support Worker or get to appointments or activities
- Have a terminal illness
- Have a progressive degenerative condition that severely impedes their mobility
- Have lost one or more limbs
- Are injured veterans with mobility problems and receive certain benefits
Additionally, eligible disabled children under 5 can access free bus travel with a companion.
Asylum seekers and refugees
Asylum seekers and refugees aged between 5 and 21 can also access free bus travel by applying for a National Entitlement Card.
Eligible island residents
Eligible island residents with a National Entitlement Card can get two free return ferry journeys to the mainland each year.
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How to apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC)
The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is Scotland's National Smartcard, offering access to many public services across the country. The card is also often recognised as a bus pass, library card, or Young Scot card. The National Entitlement Card Programme Office (NECPO) supports the 32 Scottish Councils by assisting with the integration of various national and local public services on the smartcard.
To apply for your NEC, you can use the Improvement Service's GetYourNEC.scot service, an online application method for new, replacement, and renewal National Entitlement Cards. Alternatively, you can apply through your local council.
If you are aged 5-21 and want to access the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme, information about the scheme and how to apply can be found on freebus.scot. The Post Office currently handles age 60+ applications in specific areas, including Aberdeenshire, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highland, and Perth & Kinross.
For queries on applying for a card within your local council, contact them directly. You can find the details of your council on the COSLA council webpage. Additionally, you can answer a few short questions on the Your NEC page of the website to determine which application routes are available in your local council area.
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How to use your NEC
The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is your pass to free bus travel in Scotland. Here's a guide on how to use your NEC to get around:
- Eligibility: To use the NEC for free bus travel, you must be a resident of Scotland and meet the age requirements. The scheme offers free bus travel to young people under 22, older adults over 60, and individuals with certain disabilities. Asylum seekers and refugees aged 5-21 are also eligible.
- Applying for Your NEC: You can apply for your NEC online at getyournec.scot. The application process may vary depending on your age and circumstances. In some cases, you may need to provide proof of identity, address, and eligibility for the scheme.
- Receiving Your NEC: After submitting your application, you can log in to getyournec.scot to check the status of your application (submitted, approved, or rejected). It usually takes up to two weeks to receive your card.
- Using Your NEC on the Bus: When boarding the bus, make sure to carry your NEC with you. Inform the bus driver of your destination and tap your card on the electronic card reader. The smart technology will process your free bus travel entitlement.
- Card Care and Replacement: It is important to take good care of your NEC. Keep it in a safe place, and try to ensure the photograph and personal details are up to date. If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your local council or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to arrange for a replacement.
- Companion Travel: If you are an eligible disabled person and require a companion to travel with you, companions can also travel for free. Look for the +1 logo on your card to confirm companion eligibility.
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What bus services are not included in the scheme?
The National Concessionary Travel Scheme in Scotland provides free travel on registered local and long-distance bus services throughout Scotland, at any time of day and for any number of journeys. However, it is important to note that certain services are not included in the scheme.
The following services are not covered by the National Concessionary Travel Scheme:
- Premium-fare services, such as night buses and city sightseeing buses. These services typically charge a set fare, and the concessionary pass will not be accepted.
- Tours, excursions, and group hire services are also excluded from the scheme. These are often private charter services that are not part of the regular local or long-distance bus network.
- Some airport transfer services are not included in the scheme. It is recommended to check with the bus operator directly if you are unsure about a specific airport transfer service.
- The scheme is not valid for travel within the towns of Carlisle and Berwick-upon-Tweed. However, it does cover services to and from these towns from anywhere in Scotland.
It is always a good idea to contact the bus company or operator directly if you are unsure about whether a particular service is included in the National Concessionary Travel Scheme. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the acceptance of concessionary passes.
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How to report concerns about misuse of the scheme
Transport Scotland has a Counter Fraud Strategy in place to ensure best practices are followed to detect, investigate, deter, and prevent any potential fraudulent activity. The roll-out of smart technology on Scotland's buses has also improved their ability to monitor and manage potential misuse of the Concessionary Travel Scheme.
If you have concerns about the misuse of the Concessionary Travel Scheme, you can report them using the following methods:
24-Hour Dedicated Freephone Line
You can call the Transport Scotland team at 0800 328 5690 to report your concerns. This line is available 24 hours a day, and your report will be handled confidentially.
You can also send an email to [email protected], detailing your concerns about potential misuse of the scheme. This email address can also be used for any other questions you may have regarding concessionary bus travel in Scotland.
It is important to note that when reporting suspected misuse, you should provide as much detail as possible to assist in the investigation process. Additionally, if you are aware of any immediate dangers or criminal activities, it is crucial to contact the local law enforcement authorities right away.
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Frequently asked questions
Young people aged 5-21 who live in Scotland for more than six months of the year are eligible for free bus travel. People over 60 and disabled people who meet the eligibility criteria can also apply for free bus travel.
You will need to apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or a Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC). If you are aged 5-15, your parent or guardian must apply for you. If you are 16-21, you must apply for your own card. You can apply online or directly with your local council.
You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residence, and a photograph if you are 11 or older. Parents, guardians, or carers will also need to provide proof of identity and residence for themselves and their child, as well as proof of their relationship.
Make sure you have your card with you when you board the bus. Tell the bus driver where you are going and then tap your card on the electronic ticket machine.
