Concessionary bus passes

2 years ago Fri 25th Nov 2022

Concessionary bus passes - your ticket to ride

Are you over 66? You could be eligible for a FREE concessionary bus pass!

Explore the city and county at your own pace or make running errands easier and cheaper with a concessionary bus pass. 

We believe that the bus isn't just a green mode of transport, it helps tackle loneliness and isolation in our community - and saves wasting time stuck in traffic or searching for a parking space! Buses in Oxfordshire run frequently to all major towns and villages and sights in between. More information on the services we offer, and detailed maps of our services can be found on the Times & maps page.

Want to help tackle loneliness and isolation in our community? Find out more about the Chatty Bus project here.

What is a concessionary bus pass? What are the criteria for getting a bus pass?

 

What is a concessionary bus pass?

A concessionary bus pass provides free travel on most off-peak local bus services across England. The scheme is provided by funding from the Government and the local authority.

Free travel is not available in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Channel Islands, as their respective governments have separate schemes.

What are the criteria for getting a bus pass?

In England, you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age, or you have a permanent disability.

You won’t be eligible if you don’t live here permanently, or you live outside of the country.
You can calculate your bus pass age here.

When can I travel?

 

When can I travel?

If your journey starts in Oxfordshire, you can use your pass between 09:00 and 23:59 Monday to Friday, or at any time over the weekend and public holidays.

Rules in other local authorities differ, but all will accept concessionary passes between 09:30 and 22:59 Monday to Friday, or at any time over the weekend and public holidays. We recommend contacting the relevant local authority for more information.

Where can I go? Which buses can I use?

 

Where can I go?

An English National Concessionary Pass provides free travel on most off-peak local bus services across England. Unfortunately, it does not include free travel in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Channel Islands, as their respective governments have separate schemes.

Which buses can I use?

With a few exceptions, any local bus will accept a concessionary bus pass. Some exceptions to this include coach services. We recommend checking with the operator.

New 'Early Bird' tickets:

From 1st January 2023, new ‘Early Bird’ Concession Tickets will be available for anyone with a concessionary pass to purchase at times when they can’t use their pass for free travel. 

This will initially only be available for Journeys wholly within the Oxford cityzone area at a flat fare of £1.50, and Journeys that start within West Berkshire (between Streatley and Purley-on-Thames) at a flat fare of £2.00.


Make sure you don't miss out on this FREE bus pass - check if you're eligible here!