Disabled persons free travel bus pass

You’re eligible for a disabled persons 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

• Apply online 
• You can request an application form for the Disabled Persons Bus Pass online *Please note: This service is currently unavailable
• You can download a Disabled Persons Free Travel Bus Pass application form (PDF 167KB) Please ensure to print on A4 paper
• Alternatively you can pick up any of the application forms from Suffolk County Council offices or libraries.

All application forms will require a passport photograph and proof of eligibility. All eligibility documents should be dated within the 3 months prior to the application being submitted.

Please don’t send original proof documents, send photocopies only. Suffolk County Council can’t accept any responsibility for items that are mislaid in the post and no documentation will be returned.

Suffolk County Council is unable to cover any costs incurred getting any letters/proof required from the medical profession or other specified medical person to support your application.

Please note that 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 that we are only able to process Suffolk County Council application forms. Forms previously produced by Borough or District Council’s will not be accepted.

*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 issued between these hours, regardless of the scheduled departure time.

Suffolk County Council offer an enhancement to the scheme to allow journeys before 0930 on services where there are no other journeys available to before 1200 from a specific bus stop.

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.

Yes, as you have previously lived out of the County, you will need to apply for a new pass issued by Suffolk County Council.

You are required to notify your previous County Council about this change of address in order for them to cancel your current pass.

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

You should be able to use your English National Concessionary Bus Pass issued by Suffolk County Council on buses in London.  You will need to show your pass to the driver.  This does not include free travel on the tube, trains and trams as this is an additional benefit paid for by the London authorities for use with their Freedom Pass.

Before travelling in London you may wish to check with the transport provider the conditions of use.  To find out which company operates each route and who to contact, please check the TfL website – TfL route operators

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.

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

Lost passes

If you lose your pass, you can order a replacement pass online.

Alternatively contact our information line on 0345 6000659 and they will provide guidance on what to do next. 

Please note that a replacement fee may be applicable.

Stolen passes

If your pass is stolen, you can order a free replacement by contacting our information line on 0345 6000659 and they will provide guidance on what to do next.

Please note that a crime reference number will be required if not a replacement fee may be applicable.

If you need to inform us of a recent change of address, please call our call centre on 0345 6000659

No, Suffolk County Council are unable to provide companion passes and do not accept out of county companion passes.

If your pass is due to expire and you qualify under categories A,B,C,E or F it will be automatically renewed and sent to your registered address.

If you qualify for a pass under categories D or G new evidence is required to renew your pass. This can be submitted online.

You can also renew your pass if it has expired in the past 12 months and you have not received a new one.

No, if your pass is not scanning on the bus it’s not the pass that is faulty, it’s more likely that the reader on the bus has not been programmed to read your pass.

If your pass doesn’t scan (provided it has a valid expiry date and is used off peak*) the driver must allow you to use it as a flashcard and free travel is applicable. You should not be charged for the journey. 

Please note  

Suffolk County Council hotlist invalid Free Travel Bus Passes.
If your pass is registered as invalid on the ticket machine you will be required to surrender the pass to the driver and obtain a new pass.
For further information and to obtain a new pass please contact us on 0345 600 0659.

No, the free travel bus pass is not valid on these services.

Ipswich Park and Ride services don’t form part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme and therefore free travel isn’t available on these services for Free Travel Bus Pass holders.

Suffolk County Council recognises that the Park and Ride services are an important part of the sustainable transport network for Ipswich, therefore holders of a Free Travel Bus Pass will be able to buy discounted single return tickets.

How much do tickets cost with a Free Travel Bus Pass?

Free Travel Bus Pass holders are able to buy a discounted single return ticket for £2.50 which can be used at anytime on Park & Ride services only.

Is there a concessionary Endeavour Card for Free Travel Bus Pass holders?

No, we are unable to provide concessionary smartcards on the service and discounted tickets must be purchased individually.