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Concessionary travel
As an older person there are many ways in which you can take advantage of concessionary travel in Tyne and Wear and across the country.
Concessionary travel pass
From 2010, the age of eligibility for concessionary travel in England has been tied to the pensionable age for women. As the pensionable age for women gradually increases from 60 to 65 over the ten-year period from 2010 to 2020, so too will the age of eligibility for concessionary travel increase for both men and women. For further information, visit the Directgov website.
The changes to the age of eligibility will not impact on anyone already in possession of a concessionary travel pass (or 'bus pass'). The eligibility of disabled people is unaffected by this change.
Concessionary travel passholders can enjoy all of the benefits of the current concessionary travel scheme within Tyne and Wear, but with the added freedom to travel anywhere in the country using local buses. For further information, including how to apply, contact Nexus using the details given below, or visit the Nexus website.
If you think that you have lost your concessionary travel pass whilst using public transport, contact the appropriate bus operator (either Arriva, Go North East or Stagecoach) using the details given below. If you are unsure which operator’s service you were using, call Traveline on telephone number 0871 200 22 33.
Tyne and Wear Metro
If you have a concessionary travel pass, you can apply for a Metro Gold Card which gives you a year’s travel on Metro for just £25 if you live in Tyne and Wear or £35 if you don’t. For further information, including how to apply, visit the Nexus website.
Concessionary ferry fare
For information about concessionary ferry fares, contact Nexus using the details given below, or visit the Nexus website.
Senior Railcard
The Senior Railcard is available to anyone aged 60 years old or over and costs £28 for one year. It will save you 1/3 of the cost of most rail fares to almost anywhere in Great Britain, including certain fares on various rail/sea journeys.
To apply, you can get an application form from railway station ticket offices or rail appointed travel agents. The completed form needs to be handed in together with proof of your age, such as your Birth Certificate, Passport or Driving Licence.
You can also purchase a Senior Railcard by calling National Rail Enquiries on telephone number 08457 48 49 50 (local call rate) and paying by credit or debit card. You will need proof of your age/identity, so have your Birth Certificate, Passport or Driving Licence to hand when you call. Alternatively, you can order a Senior Railcard online from the Senior Railcard website. You can't apply for a Senior Railcard by post.
Some time restrictions do apply on weekdays. It's best to check with ticket office staff before buying your ticket.
As well as making savings on rail fares, the Senior Railcard also entitles you to other special offers, such as on London theatre tickets. For more information, see the Senior Railcard website.
You can also buy a Senior Railcard for travel within Europe. For more information, call Rail Europe on telephone number 08448 484 064.
Disabled Person's Railcard
If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult, you may qualify for the Disabled Person's Railcard. The Railcard allows you, and an adult companion travelling with you, to save 1/3 of the cost off most standard and first class train fares throughout Great Britain.
A one-year card costs £20. A three-year card is also available for £54.
You must provide proof that you qualify for a Disabled Person's Railcard. You might qualify if you:
- have a visual impairment;
- have a hearing impairment;
- have epilepsy; or
- are in receipt of a disability-related benefit.
You can apply for a railcard on the Disabled Person's Railcard website.
For further information, contact the Disabled Person's Railcard Office using the details given below.
Contact Information
Disabled Person's Railcard Office
PO Box 11631, Laurencekirk, AB30 9AA.
Telephone : 0845 605 0525, Minicom : 0845 601 0132.
Email : disability@atoc.org
Nexus
Nexus House, St James Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4AX.
Telephone : 0191 20 20 747, Telephone Helpline : 0191 20 20 632.
Article last updated January 17, 2012 8:30 pm
