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Bus Passes

Bus Pass Renewals

If you haven’t moved since your pass was issued, you need not do anything as your new pass will automatically be sent to your home address. 

If you have any enquiries or wish to notify Essex County Council (who administer the scheme) of a new address, please call 0845 200 0388 or email buspass.team@essex.gov.uk.

If you live in England and are of retirement age or an eligible disabled person, you are entitled to an English National Concessionary Bus Pass.

Essex now has a centralised system for bus pass applications, offering residents an improved, consistent service across the county.

Eligibility

Older people become eligible at the female age of retirement. If you were born before 6 April 1950 you are eligible for a concessionary pass.

If you were born between 7 April 1950 and the 5 April 1955 please use the eligibility calculator below to help you work out when you will become eligible for a pass.

On 29 November 2011 the government announced the increase from 66 to 67 will be bought forward from 2034 to 2026. People born on or after 6 April 1960 but before 6 April 1961 will have a State Pension age between 66 and 67. People born on or after 6 April 1961 will have a State Pension age of 67 or higher. This proposed change is not expected to be finalised until the end of 2012 or the beginning of 2013. Because this is a proposal and not law, this calculator is based on the current law and does not take the proposed changes into account.

Check the Concessionary Pass Calculator on Essex County Council's webpage.

How to apply for a pass

If you are applying for an older persons or disabled persons bus pass for the first time, you need to apply to Essex County Council by:

• Downloading an application from www.canigetapass.org.uk
• Collecting an application form from their local libraries
• Calling 0845 200 0388 for an application form or for assistance completing one.

Renewing your pass or if you have moved address

If you are a current pass holder with a pass due for renewal, you will be automatically sent a replacement, rather than having to reapply.

However, if you have moved since your current pass was issued, please contact ECC on buspass.team@essex.gov.uk or call 0845 200 0388.

Using your pass

In Essex, pass holders can travel from 9am until 12pm (midnight), Monday to Friday and all day weekends and bank holidays.

Travel times and entitlement in areas outside Essex vary. Please check arrangements before travelling.

Your pass will allow you free off-peak travel anywhere else in England during the following times:

• Monday-Friday 9.30am-11pm
• all day (24hrs) at weekends and bank holidays
• any time on Transport for London buses.

An Essex companion pass is available for those who have difficulty travelling without assistance.

Useful Contacts: 

• Essex County Council Bus Passes
• Traveline - 0871 200 2233 www.traveline.info
• First Essex - 8456 782 977 www.firstgroup.com
• Transport for London - 0207 222 5600 www.tfl.gov.uk