A to Z Index:

Scotland-wide free bus scheme

Scotland-wide free bus scheme for older and disabled people

For older and disabled people

 

Following the recent installation of new smart card compatible electronic ticketing machines on all Stagecoach buses and the forthcoming installation on all First Aberdeen buses, Aberdeenshire Council wants to ensure that National Entitlement Card holders are clear about what they need to do when they board the bus. Find out more about the new electronic ticketing machines.

What is it ?

The Scotland-wide free bus travel scheme for older and disabled people took effect on 1 April 2006. This replaced the Aberdeenshire and Moray Concessionary Travel Scheme, also known as ConcessionCard.The new scheme is run by Transport Scotland, the national transport agency for Scotland.

Under the new scheme, eligible persons can travel free on local bus and scheduled long distance coach services anywhere in Scotland with no time restrictions.

A leaflet explaining the scheme in more detail is available to download here. Paper copies can be obtained by telephoning 08456 08 12 00.

A leaflet showing the Terms & Conditions of the National Entitlement Card is available to view or download below.

NEC Terms and Conditions PDF (1.6 Mb)

How do I apply if I am aged 60 or over ?

Application forms (reference No LS304 )are available from:

Completed application forms require to be validated by the issuing office.

When you return your completed form to the issuing Post Office or Council Office, you must provide a new passport style photograph. You must also take along proof of your address and proof of age to confirm eligibility. Under normal circumstances your new card should be posted to you within 14 days of receipt of your validated application form.

You may apply 2 weeks before your 60th birthday.

top of pageHow do I apply if I am disabled?

Application forms (reference No. NCT001) are available from a number of Council/Social Work offices. Alternatively you may telephone 08456 08 12 00 to request a form.

You must be resident in Scotland and aged between 5 and 59 years. You may apply if you meet one of the following criteria.

  • You are in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – you must produce a current original award letter from DWP or confirmation of award on form DBD 384
  • You are in receipt of the higher or middle rate of the care component of DLA – you must produce a current original award letter DWP or confirmation of award on form DBD 384
  • You are in receipt of Attendance Allowance – you must produce a current original award notice from DWP or confirmation of award on form DBD 384
  • You are in receipt of war pensioners mobility supplement – you must produce a current original award notice or letter of confirmation from the Veterans Agency stating that you are in receipt of mobility supplement.
  • You live in a care/residential home or hospital and you are eligible for the higher or middle rate of the care component of DLA or Attendance Allowance – you must produce a current original award letter from DWP or confirmation of award on form DBD 384.
  • You hold a Blue Badge – you must produce your current Blue Badge or the latest V11 vehicle licensing reminder from DVLA showing the ‘disabled’ taxation class
  • Your application for a driving licence has been refused, or your licence has been revoked, due to your physical fitness– you must produce a DVLA letter reference number D206, D235, D220 or NS57 confirming that you are unable to meet the fitness standards required to drive.
  • If you are under 17 years of age and you would be refused a driving licence, if you were to apply, due to your physical fitness other than persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol – you will be assessed by one of our Council/Social Work offices
  • Your ability to travel is impaired by a mental disorder, and the disorder has persisted for more than a year, and you are required to travel to keep health or social care appointments or participate in activities as part of a treatment, care or rehabilitation programme - you will be assessed by one of our Council/Social Work offices.
  • You are terminally ill or have a progressively degenerative disorder that severely impedes your mobility and ability to carry out day to day activities – if you do not receive the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA (see above) you must produce a copy of a DS1500 report or Hospice admittance letter confirming your condition.
  • You have limb loss of:
    (i) one or both lower limbs;
    (ii) one lower limb and one upper limb; or
    (iii) both upper limbs
    - if you do not receive the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA or the higher/middle rate of the care component of DLA (see above), you must produce written confirmation from your prosthetics clinic/centre, physiotherapist, and rehabilitation centre.

top of pageHow do I apply if I need the assistance of a companion when travelling?

 

You may be eligible for free bus travel for your travelling companion if you meet one of the following criteria.

  • You are in receipt of, or have been awarded, the higher or middle rate of the care component of DLA – you must produce a current original award letter DWP or confirmation of award on form DBD 384. Apply to one of our Council/Social Work offices
  • You are in receipt of Attendance Allowance
  • You live in a care/residential home or hospital and you are eligible for the higher or middle rate of the care component of DLA or Attendance Allowance – you must produce an original award letter DWP or confirmation of award on form DBD 384. Apply to one of our Council/Social Work offices
  • You are registered as blind or partially sighted with Aberdeenshire Council – please see Scottish Blind Persons Scheme

Completed application forms require to be validated by the issuing office.

When you return your completed form to the issuing office, you must provide a new passport style photograph. You must also take along proof of your address and proof of entitlement as detailed above.

Under normal circumstances your new card should be posted to you within 14 days of receipt of your validated application form.

top of pageHow do I apply if I am registered blind or partially sighted?

You should apply to Aberdeenshire Council Social Work service on (01467) 628046. Please see Scottish Blind Persons Scheme

How do I apply if I am profoundly or severely deaf?

You should apply to:

Aberdeen & North East Deaf Society,
13 Smithfield Road, Aberdeen, AB24 4NR.
Telephone: (01224) 494566,
Minicom: (01224) 495675,
Fax: (01224) 483894.

How much does the card cost?

The new Access Aberdeenshire entitlement card will be issued free of charge. However, there may be a charge if you lose your card and ask for a replacement.

How do I use my card?

You should place your National Entitlement Card on the smart card reader as directed by the driver.  If the card works the driver will issue you with a ticket for travel.

In the unlikely event that your card cannot be read by the ticket machine, the driver will give you the option of handing over your card in exchange for a temporary seven day bus pass, or to keep the card and pay full fare for your travel.

The seven day temporary bus pass is accepted on all bus services throughout Scotland.

In either case you should contact us on 08456 08 12 00 to arrange for the issue of a new National Entitlement Card.

What do I do if my card is lost/damaged?

Please phone 08456 08 12 00 to order a replacement.

What if I move address?

Please contact us on 08456 08 12 00.

If you are moving to a different local authority, we need to transfer your information to that authority in order for you to receive your new card.

top of pageWhat does the card look like?

Front of the cardFront of the card

 

 

 

Back of the cardBack of the card

 

 

 

 

Aberdeenshire Council Offices

The following Aberdeenshire Council Offices accept and validate disabled persons applications. Please telephone the appropriate office for further instructions.

  • Aboyne: Low Street, Aboyne, Tel: 013398 87096
  • Alford: Council Offices, School Road, Alford, Tel: 019755 62421
  • Banchory: 45 Schoolhill Road, Banchory, Tel: 01330 824991
  • Banff: Seafield House, 37 Castle Street, Banff, Tel: 01261 812001
  • Ellon: 29 Bridge St , Ellon, Tel. 01358 720295
  • Fraserburgh: 14 Saltoun Square, Fraserburgh, Tel. 01346 513281
  • Huntly: 25 Gordon Street, Huntly, Tel. 01466 794488
  • Inverurie: Gordon House, Blackhall Road, Inverurie, Tel. 01467 628011
  • Laurencekirk: 42b Blackiemuir Avenue, Laurencekirk, Tel. 01561 378333
  • Peterhead: 53 Windmill Street, Peterhead, Tel. 01779 477333
  • Portlethen: Rowanbank Road, Portlethen, Tel. 01224 783880
  • Stonehaven: Carlton House, Arduthie Road, Stonehaven, Tel. 01569 763800
  • Turriff: Towie House, Manse Road, Turriff, Tel. 01888 562427
  • Westhill: Tel 01224 849499

top of pageAberdeenshire Area Offices

The following Aberdeenshire Council Offices accept and validate forms for the over 60's.

  • Aboyne Area Office, Aberdeenshire Council, Bellwood Road (map) , Aboyne, AB34 5HQ. Tel. 013398 87373
  • Alford Area Office, Aberdeenshire Council, School Road, Alford, AB33 8TY. Tel. 019755 62421
  • Ellon Area Office, Aberdeenshire Council, 29 Bridge St, Ellon, AB41 9AN. Tel. 01358 720295
  • Fraserburgh Area Office, Aberdeenshire Council, 14 Saltoun Square, Fraserburgh, AB43 9DA. Tel. 01346 513281
  • Huntly Area Office, Aberdeenshire Council, 25 Gordon Street, Huntly, AB54 8AN. Tel. 01466 794488
  • Inverurie Registrars Office, Aberdeenshire Council, Gordon House (map), Blackhall Road, Inverurie, AB51 3WA. Tel. 01467 628011
  • Peterhead Registrars, Aberdeenshire Council, Arbuthnot House (map) , Broad Street, Peterhead, AB42 1DA. Tel. 01779 483244
  • Turriff Area Office, Aberdeenshire Council, Towie House, Manse Road, Turriff, AB53 4AY. Tel. 01888 562427

Proof of Address

These documents are acceptable as proof of address:

  • Council Tax Bill (current financial year)
  • Utility Bill eg gas, electricity, land line telephone (within last 3 months)
  • Bank Statement (within last 3 months)
  • Television Licence
  • Letter from Residential Home
  • Letter from Local Authority confirming that the applicant is a resident within the council area
  • Letter from Home Office or Immigration Office
  • Award letter of Child Benefit

Proof of age

These documents are acceptable as proof of age:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Passport
  • Photo Driving Licence
  • Attendance Allowance Award letter

How do I renew my card if I am aged 60 or over?

If you are in the new scheme (card issued with blue/white Scottish flag on the front background), your card will automatically be sent to your home address approximately one week prior to the expiry of your current card. You should NOT complete another application form. If you have changed address or have any other query, please contact the Entitlement Card Unit on 08456 08 12 00.

How do I renew my card if I am disabled?

If you are in the new scheme (card issued with the blue/white Scottish flag on the front background), you will receive a reminder letter approximately five weeks prior to the expiry of your current card on how to renew your card. You should NOT complete another application form. If you have changed address or have any other query, please contact the Entitlement Card Unit on 08456 08 12 00.

Further Information

If you have any specific queries regarding the application process please contact:

Tel: 08456 08 12 00
Email: entitlementcard@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Or send queries in writing to

FREEPOST
ACCESS ABERDEENSHIRE