Services Not Covered for Free Bus Pass Holders in England
National Express Coaches
Free bus pass holders cannot travel for free on any National Express coaches that work the country's regional and national airports. Many passengers who use National Express reserve their seats before they fill up, to ensure that they have a secure seat. However, if you would like to use National Express to get to the airport, you should apply for a concessionary pass ticket from the ticket issuing agent or on the day of travel from the coach driver. Concessionary travel on National Express coaches will mean travel for up to half the regular price of travel.
Package Holiday Tours
Tourist and sightseeing buses that offer package holiday tours have been excluded from the free bus pass scheme in England. These services typically charge premium fares to passengers and include guided tours, commentary from a tour guide and other services such as refreshments for passengers. Unless free bus pass holders reserve a seat and pay for a package holiday tour on board the bus, they will not be allowed to travel free of charge.
Rail Replacement
Free bus pass holders cannot substitute bus travel for rail travel. The scheme was put in place to offer free bus travel, not rail travel, which is expressly intended for rail travellers alone. Moreover, the standard has not changed since 2008.
Free bus pass holders have the opportunity to travel free of charge throughout England, provided they do not try to use National Express coaches or sightseeing tours for free or try to substitute bus travel for rail travel. However, that does not mean to say that passengers cannot apply for concessionary travel. Speak to your local authority to find out more about concessionary travel.
Source:
Department for Transport. Concessionary Travel - Eligible Services Changes
Published by Sophie S - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Sophie is a British expat who has been living abroad in the United States for the past 5 years. She writes on a diverse variety of subjects and is particularly interested in sharing her personal knowledge ab... View profile
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- Free bus pass holders cannot travel for free on National Express coaches
- Package holiday tours charge premium fares and are therefore exluded to free bus pass holders
- Rail replacement is not included for bus pass holders; it is expressly intended for rail passengers
2 Comments
Post a CommentGood write up. Only 4 1/2 years until I am eligable :(
Very good info!