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Due to essential maintenance, the following systems will be unavailable from 6.00pm on Monday 2 October until 8.00am on Tuesday 3 October: our online council tax, business rates and housing benefit services, and our welfare assistance form. You will also not be able to register to pay council tax online, make a change of address for council tax or cancel single person discount. You are still able to make a payment during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Apply for an older person's bus pass


If you live in County Durham and have reached pension age, you can apply for your older person's bus pass. This gives you free travel on buses anywhere in England and half fares on some local trains.

If your Durham County Council issued bus pass for the England national concessionary travel scheme (ENCTS) expires on 30 June 2023 we will automatically send you a new one. However, if your address or name has changed since you received your current pass, please contact us.

If your details have not changed there is no need to do anything.

When you can apply for your bus pass

You will qualify for your bus pass when you reach state pension age. You can submit your application for your pass up to two weeks before the birthday at which 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

Your new pass will be posted to you as quickly as possible.

What you can use your pass for

Your pass entitles you to:

  • Free travel on all standard bus services in England after 9.30am on Monday to Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Special night-time services and other special services may be excluded.
  • Before 9.30am on Monday to Friday:
    • travel for 50p when you get on at a stop within the boundary of Durham County Council 
    • ordinary fares normally apply when you get on anywhere else
  • Travel on Durham City Park and Ride.
  • Half-price travel on certain local train services:
    • Chester-le-Street, Seaham or Horden 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.

Contact us
Passenger Transport
03000 268 667
Our address is:
  • Regeneration and Local Services
  • Durham County Council
  • County Hall
  • Durham
  • County Durham
  • United Kingdom
  • DH1 5UQ