Henry Horton
Bus travel in London is not free with any travel card. However, there are certain concessions available for children, students, seniors, veterans, and unemployed people. For instance, children under 5 can travel for free with a fare-paying adult, and children under 11 can travel for free at any time on buses and trams without an Oyster ID card. Seniors over 60 can get a Seniors Oyster ID Card that offers free bus travel, and veterans are eligible for free and discounted travel. Additionally, discounted travel is available for students and unemployed individuals.
Outside of London, free bus passes are available for individuals of pensionable age and those who cannot drive due to medical reasons. These passes provide free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England. Furthermore, individuals with certain disabilities may also be eligible for free bus passes.
What You'll Learn
Travelcards and free bus travel in London
London's iconic red buses are a great way to get around the city and also offer a fantastic sightseeing experience. While the London Underground might be the fastest way to get around, the bus network covers all areas of the city and is an experience everyone should try at least once.
Transport for London (TfL)
The transport passes that most people use in London are Oyster and Travelcard. These passes allow seamless travel across all modes of transport, including bus, Underground, train and DLR, using the same ticket/pass.
Travelcards
Travelcards offer unlimited travel at any time on bus, Tube, Tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and National Rail services in London. They can be used on all buses and, if valid in zones 3-6, on all trams. Travelcards can be purchased for 7 days, monthly or annually, or for any length between 1½ and 10½ months.
Bus travel with a Travelcard
A Travelcard is valid for any zone on the buses, so if your Travelcard is only valid for zones 1 and 2, you can still use it on buses in Zone 6. London's buses are zoneless, which means that you can use your Travelcard on any bus, regardless of the zones it covers.
Free bus travel in London
Children under 5 can travel free on London buses at all times when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. Under-11s can also travel for free on buses without an adult. Residents of London who are over 60 can get a Seniors Oyster ID Card that allows free bus travel.
Concessionary bus passes
In addition, anyone with an English National Concessionary bus pass can use it on London's buses and travel free of charge. This includes older people and disabled people, who can apply for a free bus pass if they have reached the qualifying age or have certain disabilities.
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Free bus travel for seniors in London
London offers a variety of options for free bus travel for seniors. The type of pass you need depends on your age and whether you have a disability.
60+ London Oyster Photocard
If you are over 60 but have not yet reached the State Pension age, you can apply for a 60+ London Oyster Photocard. This entitles you to free travel on the London Overground and all Transport for London (TfL) rail services. You can also use this card on certain National Rail services. You can apply for this card through the Transport for London website.
Freedom Pass
If you have reached State Pension age, you can apply for an Older Person's Freedom Pass. This entitles you to free travel on all TfL services, including buses, trams, tubes, the DLR, London Overground, and the Elizabeth line. You can also use this pass on National Rail services in London, although there are some time restrictions for weekday travel. The Older Person's Freedom Pass also allows you to travel for free on local buses throughout England. You can apply for the Older Person's Freedom Pass through the London Councils website.
Disabled Person's Freedom Pass
If you have a disability, you can apply for a Disabled Person's Freedom Pass, regardless of your age. This pass allows you to travel for free on all TfL services at any time. On National Rail services in London, there are some time restrictions for free travel on weekdays. The Disabled Person's Freedom Pass also allows for free travel on local buses throughout England. You can apply for this pass through the London Councils website.
English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS)
The ENCTS offers free bus travel throughout England for seniors aged 66 and above. This scheme also provides some free and discounted rail tickets. You can apply for an ENCTS pass through your local council.
Senior Railcard
If you are 60 or over, you can purchase a Senior Railcard for £30, which gives you a third off the cost of train travel. This card can be used for discounted travel on National Rail services in London, which are included in the Travelcard.
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Free bus travel for seniors in England
In England, seniors can benefit from free bus travel through various schemes and concessions. Here is some information about free bus travel for seniors in England:
English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS)
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) offers seniors free bus travel throughout England. This scheme has been in place since 2007, providing free off-peak local bus services to those aged 65 and over or with a disability. The scheme is not restricted to certain bus operators and covers all local buses in England. The government has recently amended the legislation to protect this scheme, ensuring that it continues indefinitely without the need for frequent reviews.
Local Council Bus Passes
Local councils in England also offer free bus passes for seniors. The eligibility criteria and application processes may vary slightly between different council areas. For example, the Bath and North East Somerset Council provides a Diamond Travelcard to eligible BANES residents who have reached the qualifying age or have certain disabilities. This pass offers free bus travel within the local area and can also be used throughout England during specified times.
London-Specific Concessions
London has specific concessions for seniors, providing free travel on buses and other transport options within the city. The 60+ London Oyster Photocard offers free travel on various rail services in London for those aged 60 and above who live in any London borough. Additionally, the London Freedom Pass allows free travel on buses, trams, National Rail services, the Underground, river services, and local bus journeys nationwide for eligible London residents who have reached the State Pension age.
Other Concessions
In addition to free bus travel, seniors in England may also be eligible for discounted rail travel through schemes such as the Senior Railcard, which offers a third off train fares for those aged 60 and over. Similar concessions are available in other parts of the UK, such as the Welsh Concessionary Travel Scheme, which provides free bus travel in Wales for those aged 60 and above.
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Free bus travel for disabled people in London
London offers a disabled person's Freedom Pass to eligible London residents. This pass is available to those with certain disabilities and can be applied for through your local London borough council. To apply, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility and a colour passport-sized photograph. The council will assess your eligibility, and once confirmed, your Freedom Pass will be posted to you.
The Freedom Pass is a part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, which offers free and discounted travel to eligible individuals. In London, this scheme is facilitated by Transport for London (TfL), which provides free and discounted travel on its transport services, including buses, the Tube, Tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and National Rail services.
The eligibility criteria for the disabled person's Freedom Pass may vary, and it is essential to contact your local council or refer to their website for specific information. However, having a qualifying disability is a fundamental requirement to be considered for the Freedom Pass.
It is worth noting that the Freedom Pass is not limited to bus travel and can be used across different modes of transportation within London. The pass offers a convenient way for eligible individuals with disabilities to navigate the city without incurring transport costs.
Additionally, the Freedom Pass is not restricted to London; it can also be used across England, providing eligible individuals with a means to travel beyond the capital. This feature of the pass can be particularly beneficial for individuals who need to travel outside London for various purposes, such as work, education, or leisure.
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Free bus travel for disabled people in England
Free bus travel is available for disabled people in England, with some conditions applying. Disabled people can get a bus pass that allows them to travel for free, and these passes are issued by councils in England. The passes can be used anywhere in England, including London, but there are some time restrictions. On Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays, the pass can be used at any time. On other days, the pass is valid from 9:30 am to 11 pm. For travel outside these times, individuals can contact their relevant council.
The eligibility criteria for a disabled person's bus pass are the same across England, including London. To be eligible, individuals must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be blind or partially sighted, deaf, or unable to speak
- Be unable to walk far due to a disability, illness, or injury
- Not have arms or be unable to use them
- Have a severe learning disability
- Have been refused a driving license due to health reasons (excluding drug or alcohol-related issues)
The application process for a disabled person's bus pass can vary, so it is recommended to contact the local council to find out the specific steps and requirements. Some councils may offer a 'discretionary bus pass' for individuals who do not meet the standard eligibility criteria but still have difficulty getting around.
In addition to free bus travel, disabled individuals in England may also be able to access other transportation support services. This includes the Motability Scheme, which can assist with leasing a car, powered wheelchair, or scooter, and the Blue Badge program, which provides designated parking spaces for individuals with mobility challenges.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a Travelcard on all buses in London.
If you are of pensionable age or have certain disabilities, you may be eligible for a free bus pass.
You can apply for a free bus pass through your local council's website. You will need to provide proof of eligibility, such as your age or disability.
You can use your free bus pass on all local bus services in your area. In some cases, you may also be able to use your pass on other modes of transport or in different locations.
