Older person's bus pass

Apply for an older person’s bus pass, check eligibility, and learn how and where to use it.

Find out how to apply for, renew or replace an older person’s bus pass in Portsmouth, including what to do if it’s lost or expires. You can also check what proof you need to apply.

If you’re eligible, you may be able to get a companion bus pass to help you travel more independently and stay connected. You can also find information about disabled person’s bus passes.

Contents

Who is eligible

You can apply for an older person’s bus pass if you have reached the state pension age. Check if you’re eligible using the state pension calculator.

You can apply online one calendar month before your date of eligibility.

How to apply and what documents to provide

You can apply for an older person’s bus pass online or in person at the Civic Offices.

If you’ve moved to Portsmouth and have a bus pass from the previous authority, you need to apply as a new customer.

To apply for a pass, you’ll need to provide all of the following:

  • proof of age (such as a birth certificate, a passport, a driving licence, or a medical card),
  • proof that you live in Portsmouth (such as a council tax bill, housing benefit, rent book, tenancy agreement, electoral registration or utility bill),
  • your national insurance number
  • a passport-quality colour photograph showing your head and shoulders only, without headgear (except for religious or medical reasons), facing forward and alone

After you apply

We will post the pass directly to you, which can take up to 10 working days.

Please note: we’ll automatically send you the bus pass before your current one expires. If you change your address, circumstances or appearance, please update your details using our online form or contact us on the details below.

Using your older person’s bus pass

These passes can be used on local buses anywhere in England in accordance with the local authority’s scheme.

The Portsmouth scheme provides free travel during off-peak times (9am to 2am, Monday to Friday), and all-day on weekends and public holidays.

Portsmouth issued older person bus pass holders may also travel before 9am, for journeys starting in Portsmouth with proof of a medical appointment at either Queen Alexandra Hospital or St Mary’s Community Health Campus. 

The bus pass doesn’t cover travel in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Contact us

For more information, you can contact us by:

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