Tel: 023 9282 2251
Concessionary fares
Last updated: 12 August 2010 12:44 UKWe operate a concessionary travel scheme to assist qualifying residents with their travel costs and to promote the use of public transport.
The scheme provides for a free off-peak bus pass that entitles the holder to free travel by bus throughout England. For those who decline this free pass, we offer the option of travel tokens. You can also choose to opt out of the scheme altogether and have 10 free days of parking on Southsea seafront.
The scheme is available to anyone:
- who has reached the current female pensionable age (to check out your eligibility click here for a link to the "State Pension Age Calculator", click on "female" (even if you are male!), and enter your date of birth.
- aged over 5 who is registered with a qualifying disability (to check out your eligibility, click here for a link to "eligible disabled")
- who receives Disability Living Allowance that includes a mobility payment
- who has a medical condition that prevents them from driving, please contact us for more information
New applicants may apply in person, as soon as they become eligible. Passes will be sent out by post, and are valid for up to 5 years (currently until 31 March 2014). Applicants for tokens will receive a proportion of the full year’s amount depending on their date of entry into the scheme. Applicants only receive one issue per year.
The main issue of tokens takes place each March at selected locations in the city. For details of how you can apply please call us.
Residents who are registered blind are eligible for a free bus pass, which additionally allows free travel locally all day, please call 023 9283 4619 for more information.
Persons under 16 seeking assistance with school transport can telephone 023 9284 1340 for more information.
Travel tokens
Travel tokens are issued free and must not be exchanged for cash from any source. The tokens are used instead of money as payment for your travel, and they can be used up until 31 March at the end of the year of issue.
Tokens can be used at any time on the following services:
- Buses - anywhere in and around the Portsmouth area, as full or part payment of the normal fare. Change will be given as coins or tokens, but it would be helpful to the driver if the exact fare is given.
- Taxis - in Portsmouth. When using a taxi you should check that the tokens will be accepted, as not all taxis take part in this scheme.
- Ferries, including the hovercraft - to Hayling Island, the Isle of Wight and Gosport.
- Dial-a-Ride - in Portsmouth. If you are unable to use the normal bus service you can use your tokens on the Dial-a-Ride service. If you wish to use this service please telephone 023 9287 7146.
Free off-peak bus pass
This is issued free of charge and allows you unlimited free bus travel after 9.30am to 11.00pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays. It can be used on all local buses throughout the UK. You can apply for one if you call into the Civic Offices with proof of your age or disability and your address along with a passport photograph.
- FirstBus 023 9286 3353
- Stagecoach 0845 121 0190
How to contact us
If you have any queries, please call the Concessionary Fare Office help line on 023 9268 8575. You can also visit us we are on the ground floor of the Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth.
