Eligible disabled people are entitled to free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England. Find out whether you are eligible and where and how you can use your free bus pass below.

Suffolk County Council is now providing the national statutory scheme, which is free bus travel during the following periods;

• between the hours of 9.30am and 11.00pm Monday to Friday;
• all day Saturday and Sunday;
• all day on Bank Holidays.

There will be two further enhancements: local bus service enhancements together with a travel voucher scheme for those who are eligible by remoteness or disability.  Customer who have travel vouchers waive their right to a free bus pass.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can have a Disabled Persons free travel bus pass?

You're eligible for a disabled person's pass if you live in Suffolk and are 'eligible disabled'. This means you:

• are blind or partially sighted
• are profoundly or severely deaf
• are without speech
• have a disability, or have suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to walk
• don’t have arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
• have a learning disability

You're also eligible disabled if your application for a driving licence would be refused under section 92 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (physical fitness). However, you won't be eligible if you were refused because of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.

For more information view Suffolk County Council's disability eligibility guidance (PDF, 49KB)

When is off peak travel?

*Off peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays. You will only be entitled to free travel if a ticket is purchased between these hours regardless of the scheduled departure time, free travel is based solely on the time that the ticket is issued.

What is the definition of a 'local' bus?

The definition of a local bus will be self evident in most cases, but in a few instances could include some longer distance buses and coach services where part of the route is registered as a local bus service.  If in doubt check with the operator. Find contact details for your bus operator.

How do I get a Disabled Persons Free Travel Bus Pass?

You can request an application form for the Disabled Persons Bus Pass online.

Alternatively you can pick up any of the applicaiton forms from Suffolk County Council Offices or libraries. All application forms will require a passport photograph and proof of eligibility.

View Suffolk County Council's guidance on disability eligibility for a Disabled Free Travel Pass (PDF, 48KB).

Please Note: For evidence provided under categories D & G, a Free Travel Bus Pass will be issued for the period of time relating to the expiry of the evidence provided. Evidence provided must be for a minimum of 12 months.

Completed applications are to be returned with a passport-sized photograph to:

SCC Free Travel Bus Pass
PO Box 212
Waterlooville
PO7 6ZN

Please Note: We are only able to process Suffolk County Council application forms. Forms previously produced by Borough or District Council's will not be accepted.

Will I be able to enjoy free travel anywhere within the UK?

No, the bus pass can only be used within England.

If I visit an area that offers additional services, will I be entitled to them?

Probably not.  As a general rule local councils will only provide additional services for their own residents.  It is best to check with other local councils before you travel.

I don't live in London but visit relatives there occasionally.  Will I be able to enjoy the same benefits as a Freedom Pass holder?

No, because those benefits are paid for by the London Authorities, only London Freedom Pass holders wil be able to enjoy additional local travel on the tube, trains and trams.  You will however be able to enjoy the statutory national off-peak bus travel when visiting London.

What will my pass look like?

The pass will be printed on white plastic and will include your photo on the front and an orange strip on the side. 

I have lost my pass, can I get a new one?

If you lose your pass, please contact our information line on 0845 600 0659 and they will provide guidance on what to do next. Please note that a replacement fee may be applicable.

Can I get a companion pass?

Suffolk County Council are unable to provide companion passes. However if you currently hold a Suffolk companion pass you will be able to continue to use this on local services for the validity of the pass.

For further information contact our Free Travel Bus Pass information line 0845 600 0659 or download our leaflet (PDF, 137KB).