York residents aged under 60 with certain disabilities are entitled to a concessionary bus pass. The pass, issued free of charge, entitles you to FREE local bus travel throughout England, subject to peak-hour time restrictions.

Residents choosing a concessionary bus pass cannot also claim National Transport Tokens.

If you need further advice on travel concessions, please call the bus pass helpline.

Eligibility

You are eligible for a disabled person's bus pass if you:

• are profoundly or severely deaf
• are registered blind or partially sighted
• are without speech
• have a disability that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk
• do not have arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
• have a learning disability
• would have your application to drive a motor vehicle refused due to physical fitness (other than on the grounds of persistant misuse of drugs or alcohol)

If you are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance with the Higher Rate Mobility Component, or are registered blind or partially sighted, your bus pass can include provision for a companion to travel with you free of charge.

Proof of your disability

One of the following documents may be accepted as proof of your disability:

• a photocopy of your blue badge parking permit (or the badge's reference number)
• a photocopy of your registration as blind, partially sighted or deaf
• a photocopy of your entitlement to Disability Living Allowance
• a photocopy of your entitlement to Severe Disability Allowance
• a photocopy of your entitlement to Long Term Incapacity Benefit
• a letter from your doctor (GP) which clearly states that you have one of the qualifying disabilities listed above

Applying for a bus pass

In person

Your can apply for a bus pass at the from the council reception at 9 St Leonard's Place between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

You will need to provide:

• Proof of age (eg passport, birth certificate, driving licence, medical card, letter or statement from the Pension Service)
• Proof of address (eg recent utility or council tax bill)
• Proof of disability (one of the supporting documents listed above)
• You do not need to bring a photograph when you apply in person, as our staff will take your picture for you.

Once your application has been approved, you will receive your new pass in the post within 3 working days.

Without sufficient proof, we cannot issue your concession. Someone else may collect on your behalf, but they will still need to bring proof of your entitlement, plus a passport sized photograph of you.

By post

Download and complete the application form if you want to apply for or renew a bus pass. Forms are also available from most post offices and council reception points.

When you return your form by post you must include:

• a passport sized photograph (write your name on the back)
• proof of your address (eg photocopies of a current gas or electric bill)
• proof of your age (photocopies of passport, birth certificate, driving licence, medical card or letter/statement from the Pension service)
• Proof of your disability (one of the supporting documents listed above)

Send your application to: Transport Planning Unit (BP), City of York Council, 9 St. Leonard's Place, FREEPOST (YO239), York YO1 7ZZ. Please allow up to 10 days for us to process your application.

Renewing your pass

Holders of an old-style York bus pass must renew their pass before 30th September 2008. Only new national passes will be valid after this date.

Do not send your old pass in the post. A £5 fee is charged for the replacement of lost passes.