Apply for an older person's bus pass

Before you travel, please follow the latest travel advice.

A 9.30am time restriction on the use of concessionary bus passes is in place to help with social distancing, even at peak travel times. If you have a County Durham travel pass, you can board in a County Durham bus before 9.30am for a flat fare of 50p.

For new/replacement passes, our travel pass supplier may take a day or two more than our indicated seven to ten days for you to receive your new pass.

When you can apply for your bus pass

When you can get your pass depends on when you were born.

If you were born before 6 October 1954, you will get your pass when you apply. If you were born on or after 6 October 1954, you will get your pass on your 66th birthday.

If you are a woman born between 6 September and 5 November 1954, we offer a Concessionary Bus Travel for Women bus pass. This is a bus-only pass to bridge the gap until you are entitled to the full pass. If you already receive a Concessionary Bus Travel for Women pass, your full bus pass will be sent automatically when you reach state pension age.

What you need to apply

You will need:

• proof that you live in County Durham, such as a copy of a bank statement, utility bill or council tax letter
• proof of your age, such as a copy of a birth certificate, driving licence, passport or pension book
• a passport sized photograph

Apply for a bus pass

• By post: Download, print and complete  Concessionary bus pass application form (PDF, 97.7kb)  and send it to the address on the form along with your supporting documents.
• Online: Scan or take a photo of your form and supporting documents on a smartphone/mobile device. You can then upload the form and documents using our document submission form.

Your new pass will be posted to you in 14 days.

What you can use your pass for

Your pass entitles you to:

• free travel on all bus services in England
  • between 9.30am and 11.00pm, Monday to Friday
  • all day Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays (certain special night-time services are excluded)
• travel for 50p on journeys where you use a local bus (in County Durham) 
  • before 9.30am, Monday to Friday
• free travel on Durham City Park and Ride
• half price fares travel on certain local train services:
  • Chester-le-Street or Seaham to/from Newcastle or Middlesbrough (and any station in between)
  • Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Newton Aycliffe or Heighington to/from Middlesbrough (and any station in between)

Replacing an existing bus pass

If your pass is lost or stolen, or you have changed address, you can ask for a replacement bus pass.