Concessionary travel
There are a number of ways to travel across the country, across the North East and in Newcastle. Here we draw attention to all the options available.
Am I eligible for a Concessionary Travel Pass?
You are eligible for an English National Concessionary travel pass, also known as a free bus pass, once you reach your 66th birthday. It is free for your first year.
Individuals with certain disabilities can also get an English National Concessionary travel pass. To check if you’re eligible visit newcastle.gov.uk.
Where can I use my bus pass?
With an English National Concessionary Travel Pass you can travel for free on:
- any Tyne and Wear bus from 9.30am weekdays, and all day at weekends and on public holidays
- for 60p on the Shields Ferry from 9.30am Monday to Friday, all day at weekends and on public holidays
- for 50p on Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Metrocentre/Blaydon, from 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays
- any local bus in England (including all major cities) between 9.30am to11.00pm weekdays, and all day at weekends and on public holidays
For further information contact Nexus.
How to apply for a free bus pass
You can apply for your English National Concessionary travel pass up to 28 days before you become eligible. It is worth doing this as it may take 28 days for your to receive it. You can either:
- apply for the first time online (older or disabled people)
- renew or request a replacement online (older or disabled people )
Travel shops are now closed. The application form to apply for the first time or renew is available to download. You will need a photo. You can ask for help or a postal form by telephone: 0191 202 0747.
Updating your Concessionary Travel Pass
If your English National Concessionary Travel Pass is about to expire you can renew it on the month that it’s due to expire or the month before that. You don’t need to send off your old pass.
If your details have changed, such as your address or name, you need to inform Nexus.
Lost your Concessionary Travel Pass?
If you think that you have lost your concessionary travel pass whilst using public transport, contact the appropriate operator. This will either be
Your pass may have been handed in to the driver. If you are unsure which operator’s service you can check on Traveline or contact Nexus.
If your pass has not been found you will need to apply for a new English National Concessionary Travel Pass at a cost of £5.
Is your Concessionary Bus Pass valid?
Ticket machines on local bus services now tell you if your Concessionary Travel Pass is not valid for travel.
Why would your pass be cancelled?
- if you informed your card issuer that your pass is lost or stolen.
- if your pass is being used fraudulently by someone other than you the pass holder.
- if you are no longer entitled to concessionary travel.
What happens if the ticket machine says your pass has been cancelled?
- if your pass is not valid you are not entitled to free concessionary travel
- the driver will tell you that your pass is not valid. You will be asked to pay the normal adult fare. If you don’t want to pay the fare you can’t travel.
- contact your card issuer using the phone number shown on the back of your pass as soon as you are able to arrange for a new pass to be issued.
If you have more than one pass how do you know which one is valid?
If you have more than one pass, use the pass with the longest expiry date. Other passes with an earlier date will have been cancelled and will not be valid for travel.
For more details call the phone number on the back of your pass.
Free bus travel for companions
A Companion Card lets you take someone with you free of charge when you travel on buses in Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Northumberland and Darlington. It’s available to residents of Tyne and Wear who receive certain allowances and are not able to travel without a companion.
Metro Gold Card from Tyne and Wear Metro
If you have an English National Concessionary travel pass, you can apply for a Metro Gold Card. This gives you unlimited travel on Tyne and Wear Metro, on Northern Rail services between Newcastle and Sunderland and also the Shields Ferry.
The Gold card offer can be used all day at weekends and on public holidays and weekdays after 9.30 am. This is known as ‘off peak’. If you have a hospital appointment you can use your pass before 9.30 am if you carry and show your hospital letter. During July and August and between Christmas and New Year, you can travel before 9.30 am.
The card costs £12 a year if you live in Tyne and Wear or £24 if you live outside Tyne and Wear. Your Gold card will be loaded onto your English National Concessionary Travel Pass. You can do this at a Metro station ticket machine.
For further information, including how to apply contact Nexus.
You can renew your Gold Card up to 7 days before your current pass expires. To check the expiry date touch your CT Pass on the orange reader at a Metro station. Or, if you have an NFC (near field communication) enabled smartphone, install their Pop card checker app and check your expiry date using your phone. Visit Google Play and search for Pop card checker.
Lost your Metro Gold Card?
If you have lost your Metro Gold Card with your Concessionary Travel Pass on it you will need to report it to Nexus as soon as possible. You will then need to purchase a new Metro Gold Card from your local travel shop.
Concessionary Ferry Fares
You can get discounted fares on the Shields Ferry with your English National Concessionary Travel Card if you live in Tyne and Wear. Pay 60p single from 9.30am Monday to Friday, all day at weekends and on public holidays.
If you have a Metro Gold Card, you can travel for free on the Shields Ferry from 9.30am Monday to Friday, all day at weekends, on public holidays and throughout July and August.
For more information about concessionary ferry fares visit Nexus.org.uk
Reduced cost Metro travel
Tyne and Wear Metro offer some cheaper ways to travel
Metro families offer: Up to three children aged 11 and under can now travel free on Metro with a fare-paying adult. This includes someone with a Gold Card.
Under 16 year olds: can get discounted travel on the metro with a POP card
Day tickets: for unlimited travel
Senior Railcard
The Senior Railcard is available to anyone aged 60 years old or over and will save you 1/3 of the cost of most rail fares to almost anywhere in Great Britain, including certain fares on various rail or sea journeys.
A one year railcard costs £30 and a three year card costs £70.
To apply, you can get an application form from railway station ticket offices or a National Rail-licensed Travel Agent. 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 or renew your Senior Railcard online or over the phone. You will need proof of your age/identity, so have your Birth Certificate, Passport or Driving Licence to hand when you call. You can’t apply for a Senior Railcard by post.
As well as making savings on rail fares, the Senior Railcard also entitles you to other special offers, such as on London theatre tickets.
Disabled Person’s Railcard
The Disabled Person’s Railcard is available to disabled people and provides 1/3 off most rail fares across Britain for you and a companion. You can apply on their website or download an application form to return in the post.
Other useful railcards
- Veterans Railcard for those who have served for at least one day or more in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve). Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations are also eligible.
- 16-25 Railcard for anyone aged 16 to 25, or in full time study.
- 26-30 Railcard for anyone aged 26 to 30.
- Family & Friends Railcard for anyone travelling with one child, or more.
- Two Together Railcard for two named adults travelling together.
- Network Railcard for travel in the South East of England
- 16-17 Saver for anyone aged 16 or 17.
Other Useful Information
- Day Trips and Visits article on Information Now
- The Elders Council of Newcastle publish EC Rider, a Summer Outings leaflet with ideas and tips on days out using your concessionary travel pass.
- North East and Cumbria Hubs Mobility Advice Service offer free advice on using public transport and and alternate travel options.
Last updated: November 10, 2023