What is an Encts card?
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme is a national scheme by the Department for Transport in conjunction with local authorities across England. The scheme extended the provision of free bus travel within individual local authorities to allow travel throughout England from 1 April 2008.
Who pays for concessionary bus passes?
The Freedom Pass is largely funded by boroughs with grant support from Government. TfL fund the concession for older people in the weekday morning peak on TfL services (between 04:30 and 09:00) and this accounts for around 5% of the cost of the concession overall.
What are concessionary fares?
Concessionary fares offer certain sections of the population the opportunity to travel on public transport at a reduced fare, which in some cases can mean free travel.
Can I use my now card in Liverpool?
As long as you are traveling on local bus services and not on express or excursion services such as National Express then you can use your NoWcard English National Concession bus pass anywhere in England.
Why is the bus pass age different in England?
The rules differ between nations and in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales it is possible to apply for a bus pass from the age of 60. However in England, it is linked with the state pension age – which is gradually increasing and depends on when you were born.
Can you use a bus pass nationwide?
People who live in Greater London can use their passes on buses, the Tube and some overground train services. Passes issued outside Greater London are valid only on London buses. So, unless you pay, you will be denied the pleasure of travelling underground in temperatures that would make it illegal to transport cattle.
At what age do you get a free bus pass in the UK?
60
In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. If you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you’re 60, but only within London. In Wales you can get a bus pass when you reach 60.
Who brought in free bus passes?
Prime Minister Gordon Brown first announced the £1bn national scheme, giving pensioners a pass to use buses for free, in 2005 ahead of a general election.
Do pensioners get free train travel?
If you’re over 60, but still too young for a Freedom Pass, a 60+ Oyster card could be a good option. It still provides free travel on the London Underground, Overground, trams and buses, as well as some TfL Rail and National Rail services, but you can’t use your pass outside of London.
What is a Saltire Card for?
The Scottish Government is introducing a country-wide travel smartcard to improve access across all different modes of transport. In October, the Scottish Government announced plans for the Saltire Card – a smartcard that can be used across public transport networks in Scotland.
Can you use your bus pass on Blackpool trams?
Blackpool Concessionary Travel Pass holders and Wyre Concessionary Travel Pass holders can also travel for free on the Blackpool Tramway from 0930 until 2300 hours Monday to Friday and all day Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
How does ENCTS work for senior citizens in England?
The English National Concession Travel Scheme (ENCTS) entitles senior citizens to free off peak travel on buses across England (plus additional concessions in South Yorkshire). When your current Senior Pass is about to expire we will send you a new pass automatically.
What do disabled people need to know about ENCTS?
The English National Concession Travel Scheme (ENCTS) entitles disabled people to free off peak travel on buses across England (plus additional concessions in South Yorkshire). What do I need to apply?
How many ENCTS permits are issued each year?
All ENCTS permits are by law issued as smartcards and there are almost 10 million in circulation. About £1 billion annually is reimbursed from local authorities to bus operators for concessionary travel. This guidance has been developed with the assistance of the ENCTS Working Group, consisting of TCA and operator representatives.
Who is responsible for issuing ENCTS smartcards?
It is administered on a day-to-day basis by 89 Travel Concession Authorities and the London Councils. DfT retains responsibility for national policy. All ENCTS permits are by law issued as smartcards and there are almost 10 million in circulation.