FAQs

Am I eligible for an older person's pass?

You are eligible for an older person's bus pass once you reach the age of 66. You can apply online or in person at your local Staffordshire County Council library.

How do I apply for an older person's pass?

You can apply online or you can apply in person at a library.

To apply online you will need:

• an email address (with their approval this can be an email address from friends or family)

• a webcam or a digital camera or an existing digital image

• your old bus to hand if you need a renewal

To apply in person you will need:

To apply in person you can go to your nearest Staffordshire County Council managed local library. Library staff will take your photo and process your application. It will take 7-10 working days for the pass to be processed. 

Take the following with you:

• proof of your identity

• proof of where you live

• proof of your age. 

• your current or expired pass if you need a renewal

Problems with applying?

Please contact us so we can help. 

 How do I apply for disabled person's pass?

How to apply online

You can apply online and upload the evidence required.

Problems with applying?

Please contact us so we can help.

To apply in person

To apply in person you can go to your Staffordshire County Council managed local library. Library staff will take your photo and process your application. It will take 7-10 working days for the pass to be processed. 

You will need to have the following proof with you to apply:

• proof of your identity

• proof of where you live

• your current or expired pass if you need a renewal 

What categories of disability qualify for a disabled pass?

You may qualify for a bus pass if you have a disability that would come under one of the following categories with the proof stated: 

• blind or partially sighted - BD8 or CVI form, sensory loss card issued by Staffordshire County Council or certificate or letter from a medical professional

• severely or profoundly deaf - an audiology report

• without speech - award letter for PIP scoring 8 points or more for communicating verbally or evidence from a medical professional to say that you are without speech. Please note: a disabled bus pass cannot be issued for a severe stutter or stammer

• walking disability - 8 points or more in the Moving Around section of PIP (or an award letter from DLA stating you are in receipt of the higher rate mobility component). Please note: If you are applying on the walking disability you may need to be assessed. Assessments are carried out by independent assessors on our behalf in accordance with the Department for Transport’s ‘guidance to local authorities on assessing eligibility of disabled people in England for concessionary bus travel’. Any evidence you supply to the independent assessors will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act and is used solely by ourselves

• refused a driving licence - letter from DVLA stating your driving licence has been surrendered or revoked or a letter from a medical professional stating the reason why you are unfit to drive. Please note: If you are applying on the refused driving licence criteria you may need to be assessed. Assessments are carried out by independent assessors on our behalf in accordance with the Department for Transport’s ‘guidance to local authorities on assessing eligibility of disabled people in England for concessionary bus travel’. Any evidence you supply to the independent assessors will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act and is used solely by ourselves

• loss of the use of both arms - evidence from a medical professional stating the loss of use of both arms

• learning disability - significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning. Please note: To evidence this you must have the below form signed / stamped and completed by your GP / registered doctor. Providing an EHCP or Statement of educational special needs can be used as supplementary evidence. Points in the planning journeys on PIP will not be accepted as proof of a learning disability.

If applying on the learning disability category, please first see the eligibility information link to see if you are eligible. If you still wish to apply, please have the Learning disability concessionary pass evidence form completed and return to SCC.

• Eligibility information for people with a learning disability (171 KB)

• Learning disability concessionary pass evidence form (218 KB) 

Where and when can I use my pass for free travel?

The bus pass allows for free travel in England between 9:30am and 11pm on Monday to Friday, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Disabled people can travel for free in the Staffordshire County Council area before 09.30 until they reach pensionable age at which point the pass will be changed to an older person’s pass. 

Can I use my bus pass on trains and trams?

No. Your pass can only be used on buses. 

Can I apply for a companion pass?

If you meet one or more of the following categories you can apply for a companion bus pass to enable a carer to accompany you free of charge on local bus services within the Staffordshire County Council area.

• registered or 'severely sight impaired' with Social Services

• 12 points or more on PIP in the moving around category

• confined to a wheelchair

• have a severe disability that prevents the applicant from being able to travel unaided (medical evidence required).

You must supply supporting evidence. You will be then issued with a pass with a C+ logo entitling a carer to travel with you. You can apply for a companion pass when applying for a bus pass. 

Who issues concessionary passes?

Staffordshire County Council has been solely responsible for issuing concessionary passes since 1 April 2011. 

Can I get an elderly and disabled persons railcard?

We do not offer this. You can purchase a railcard at your local staffed rail station. This will provide 1/3 discount on rail fares. This will not affect your entitlement to a bus pass. 

Data protection

The information that you provide will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 and relevant legislation. We are under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and may use information held about you for the prevention and detection of fraud and other lawful purposes.

We may also use the information for the purpose of performing any of its statutory enforcement duties. It will make any disclosures required by law and may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.

We will pass on names and addresses to Independent Access Ltd for the purpose of obtaining medical evidence of a disability. 

My question hasn't been covered here

If you have another question please email us at buspassrenewals@staffordshire.gov.uk. 

Lost or damaged passes?

There is a £10 charge for lost or damaged passes, this covers the cost of the card, production and administration.