The Concessionary Travel Scheme is provided by Caerphilly County Borough Council with financial assistance from the Welsh Assembly Government. It entitles certain people with disabilities to bus pass allowing free travel on virtually all local bus services in Wales.
Who qualifies for a concessionary travel pass?
Applicants must be residents of Caerphilly county borough at the time of making the application and must have a permanent disability that has a substantial effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities. Applicants whose disability may last for at least 12 months may also be considered.
Under the Transport Act 2000 Section 151 (4) are for persons who: The seven categories for automatic eligibility are: -
- You are blind or partially sighted
- You are profoundly or severely deaf with a hearing loss of 70+ dBHL
- You are are without speech
- You a permenant disability, or have suffered an injury, which has substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to walk
- You have a learning disability and are on the Learn Disability Register
- You do not have arms or have the long term loss of use of both arms
- You have been resfused a Driving Licence or would be unable to drive on medical grounds except on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol
Applicants will need to provide documentary evidence that they meet one or more of the above criteria.
How to apply
- Pick up an application form from a Customer Services Centre. Alternatively call 01495 235223.
- Fill in your details and attach a colour passport approved photograph. You will need to provide documentation support your claim.
- Return it to a Customer Services Centre or post it back to Disabled Person's Travel Pass, Caerphilly County Borough, Pontllanfraith House, Blackwood, NP12 2YW
- The council will assess your eligibility. If your application is successful the pass will be sent the pass to your home address.
- Alternatively the council will contact you to request further information or inform you that you have not met the criteria.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for the initial bus pass.
How do I use my pass?
On boarding the bus, place your pass on the card reader on the ticket machine with the photograph face up so it can be seen by the driver. The ticket machine will respond with a bleep and a green light to acknowledge that the pass has been 'read'. Some companies may also issue a ticket.
Where can I use my pass?
Your bus pass is valid for free travel at all times, everyday on most local bus services anywhere in Wales. You may use your pass on buses that operate over the border into England providing no change of bus is required.
It is not valid for travel on trains, rail linc services, sightseeing buses, most park & ride services or coach services eg. National Express, megabus.com, Greyhound.
Your pass cannot be used for travel on buses solely in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
What about trains?
National Rail and Arriva Trains Wales offer discounted rail travel to over 60s. Visit our over 60s rail pass webpage for details.
What if I lose or damage my pass?
If you need a replacement pass, please contact Travelinks on 01495 235223. The council will issue the first replacement free-of-charge but there will be a charge for further replacements. Once a replacement pass is issued, the previous pass is 'hot-listed' and will not be accepted for travel.
What if I move address or need to change my details?
If you move address (within the Caerphilly county borough) or change any of your personal details please notify Travelinks so we can up date your records. If you move outside the Caerphilly county borough you will need to notify Travelinks so we can remove you from our database and advise you how to transfer your details to your new local authority.
I have a bus pass issued in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland, can I use it for free travel in Wales?
No, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland passes are not valid for free travel in Wales. There are some minor exceptions for English local authorities on the boarder of Wales where travel into Wales on through journeys is allowed but not solely within Wales. For more information on concessionary travel in other areas of the UK please visit the DirectGov website or contact your local council.
I have visitors staying with me on holiday from outside Wales, are they able to apply for a bus pass?
No. You must be a resident of a Welsh local authority to apply for a Welsh concessionary bus pass.
What else do I need to know?
Please remember that you are the only person allowed to use your pass. If you allow anyone else to use it, your bus pass may be cancelled and legal action taken against you.