Bus passes for disabled persons - eligibility

Some people with a disability are entitled to a concessionary bus pass.

Anyone applying for a pass due to a disability will need to prove that they have a disability which is permanent, or which has lasted or is likely to last for at least 12 months or more.

Types of disability

There are seven types of disability which can entitle a person to concessionary travel, these are someone who:

(a)  is blind or partially sighted

(b)  is profoundly or severely deaf

(c)  is without speech

(d)  has a disability, or suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to walk

(e)  does not have arms or has long-term loss of use of both arms

(f)   has a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning

(g)  would have an application for a driving license refused because of their physical fitness (other than due to misuse of drugs or alcohol). Examples of the types of medical conditions include;

• some people with mental health issues
• people with impaired vision
• people with a diagnosis of epilepsy whose condition has not been completely controlled by medication for a year or more

Automatically entitled to a bus pass

A person is automatically entitled to a pass if they have receive any of the following benefits for at least 12 months or expect to receive them for at least 12 months:

• Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) of 8 points or more for “Moving Around” or “Communicating Verbally”
• War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement

A person who has a disabled persons’ parking badge (Blue Badge) may also be automatically entitled to a pass

Other disabled people

Where a disabled person is not automatically entitled to a pass further proof of the disability will be requested.  

In some circumstance we may ask someone to attend a assessment by a medical practitioner to check whether or not they are entitled to a pass.

Apply for a disabled person's bus pass