Overview
Concessionary travel gives free or discounted trips on public transport to eligible disabled people and older people living in Scotland. This information guide outlines the main travel concessions available, eligibility and how to apply. Concessions apply to buses, trains, ferries and some coach services.
National Entitlement Card (NEC)
The National Entitlement Card (NEC) gives free or discounted access to most types of public transport. Scottish residents aged 60 and over can travel for free on most local and national bus services in Scotland. You may also be entitled to free rail travel.
The National Entitlement Card doesn’t just offer national transport concessions but some Scottish councils are now using the card for other services such as library/leisure memberships, cashless catering in schools and taxi travel for disabled people.
Eligibility Criteria for disabled people
If you are a resident in Scotland, aged 5 or over and meet one of the following criteria, you are entitled to free bus travel with the National Entitlement Card:
- you receive the higher rate of mobility component of Disabled Living Allowance
- you receive the higher/middle rate of care component of Disabled Living Allowance
- you receive the standard or enhanced rate of Personal Independence Payment
- you receive Attendance Allowance
- you live in a care/residential home or hospital and are eligible for the higher or middle rate of the care component of DLA, PIP or AA.
- you are a Blue Badge holder
- you are profoundly or severely deaf
- you have a visual impairment
- you have been told not to drive based on medical grounds
- you have a mental illness, learning disability or personality disorder that is recognised under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and has lasted for more than a year. You must be required to need to travel to and from appointments for treatment and your ability to travel is affected by your diagnosis
- you have a terminal illness
- you have a progressive degenerative condition
- you have lost one or more limbs
- you are an injured veteran with mobility problems
- you receive a War Pensioner Mobility Supplement
In most cases, you will be asked to provide proof of evidence to confirm your eligibility, such as a benefit or blue badge award letter.
Companion entitlement
If you need a companion to help you use public transport your National Entitlement Card will allow them to travel for free if you meet one of the following criteria:
- you receive the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disabled Living Allowance
- you receive the standard or enhanced rate of daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
- you receive Attendance Allowance
- you are registered blind
- you live in a care or residential home and receive the higher or middle rate of the care component Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance
- you receive War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance
- Transitional Provisions
If you have a free bus pass or a companion card and you are assessed for Personal Independence Payment but don’t qualify for it you can keep your card until it expires.
People with a visual impairment
Your National Entitlement Card gives you free bus travel, but if you are blind or have a visual impairment, you are also entitled to use your card to access concessions on train, Edinburgh tram and ferry travel.
Ferry Concessions
Residents of the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland who have a National Entitlement Card can also get two free return ferry journeys to the mainland each year. The vouchers are valid throughout the year for travel as a foot-passenger.
When you apply for your National Entitlement Card your local authority will also send your ferry vouchers. They’ll also send new vouchers before April 1st. Vouchers are valid until March 31st the following year.
How to apply for a National Entitlement Card
Contact your Local Authority or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to apply for your National Entitlement Card. Find your local concessionary contact at the Transport Scotland
You will need:
- a recent photograph
- proof of age or disability
- proof of your current address
Renewing or replacing your National Entitlement Card
If you have a disability your local council or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) may be in touch 4-6 weeks before the card runs out. If you don’t hear from them or need assistance renewing your card, contact your local authority.
If you have lost or had your National Entitlement Card stolen then you should contact your local authority. If you are moving home to different local authority area then you need to inform your previous local authority as soon as possible.
Disabled Persons Railcard
If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult you might qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard. This railcard allows you to get 1/3 off most rail fares throughout Great Britain. If you are travelling with an adult companion they can also get 1/3 off their rail fare. The Disabled Persons Railcard costs £20 for a one year card and £54 for a three year card.
Eligibility
You are eligible if:
- you are registered as having a visual impairment
- you are registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
- you have epilepsy and either: have repeated attacks even though you receive drug treatment; or are currently prohibited from driving because of your epilepsy
- you receive Attendance Allowance
- you receive Personal Independence Payment
- you receive Disability Living Allowance at either higher or lower rate for mobility; or the higher or middle rate for care
- you receive Severe Disablement Allowance
- you receive Was Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- you are buying/leasing a vehicle through the Motability scheme
How to apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard
You can only buy a Disabled Persons Railcard by post.
You can download an application from the website at the Disabled Persons Railcard website, or you can contact the Disabled Persons Railcard Office.
Tel: 0345 605 0525
Email: disability@raildeliverygroup.com
If you are not eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard, there are other discounted fares for visually-impaired people or wheelchair users. Ask for details at your nearest staffed National Rail station ticket office.
Senior Railcard
With a Senior Railcard anyone 60 years or over can save 1/3 on all Standard and First Class, Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares. It costs for £30 for 1 year or £70 for 3 years. You can purchase a railcard at any manned station or online at the Senior Railcard website.
Railcard renewals
Disabled Persons Rail Card renewal
Disabled Persons Railcard website
Tel: 0345 605 0525
Textphone/minicom renewals: 0345 601 0132
or
Download the application form from the Disabled Persons website and post it to:
Disabled Persons Railcard, PO Box 6613, Arbroath, DD11 9AN
Senior Railcard
A railcard can be renewed up to one month in advance of the expiry date. If you are renewing for one year then you can do it online, over the telephone or in a station. If you are renewing the railcard for 3 years then you can do it online or the telephone.
Senior Railcard
Tel: 0345 3000 250
Post: National Railcards, PO BOX, 6616, Arbroath DD11 9AR
Coach Travel
There is no national coach concessionary scheme at present, but some coach operators offer discounts. For example, National Express offer a Senior Coachcard for people who are 60 years or over. A similar card called Disabled Coach card is available for people with a disability.
The cards allow you to save 1/3 on standard fares for a cost of £12.50 a year (plus £2.50 postage and packaging). You can purchase a coach card on the National express website:
Or you can buy from any from any of the National Express coach stations, or by calling them on 0871 781 8181
Community Transport schemes
If you are disabled, can’t use ordinary public transport, and do not have access to a car, there are community transport schemes that you may be able to use such as Dial-a-Ride and Taxi-card. Contact your local council to see what community transport schemes are available within your area and how you can apply.
If you need any guidance with this then call our helpline on: 0300 323 9961
Further information and useful contacts
Concessionary Travel and Integrated Ticketing Unit:
Tel: 0141 272 7170
Email: freebus@transportscotland.gsi.gov.uk
Transport Scotland website
National Entitlement Card Programme
Disabled Persons Railcard
Tel: 0345 605 0525
Email: disability@raildeliverygroup.com
Information last updated on 5 June 2020. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Mobility, Travel & Transport:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
How will PIP affect my ability to use the Motability Scheme?
The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease a car, powered wheelchair or scooter. Eligibility to use the Motability Scheme is based on receiving one of the following benefits.
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
Awarded the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP
For existing Scheme customers, their eligibility to remain on the Motability Scheme will depend on the outcome of their assessment for PIP. If you are awarded the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP you should not experience any disruption to your lease as you move from one benefit to the other.
NOT awarded the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP
If you are not awarded the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP you will not be eligible to use the Motability Scheme. Being forced to leave the Scheme will be a difficult transition for you and your family.
The Motability Scheme has put in place a one-off package of transitional support to those customers who can no longer use the Scheme as a result of their initial DLA to PIP reassessment. This transitional package will include guidance on your mobility options and next steps, financial support if eligible, advice on buying a second hand car, information on insurance, maintenance and other mobility solutions, as well as the purchase price of your vehicle. You will be able to keep the car for eight weeks after the DLA payments stop.
In addition, if you first joined the Scheme before the end of 2013 you will have the option to keep the car for 26 weeks after the last DLA payment. If you choose to keep the car for this extended period your transitional support payment will be reduced.
For further details of the transitional support process please visit the Motability website. Their website has a useful section with more detailed information on the transitional support package. You can also phone the Motability Scheme helpline on 0300 456 4566.
Am I eligible for a reduction on Vehicle tax?
You might be eligible for a reduction or exemption on vehicle tax if you are disabled and meet the eligibility criteria. The vehicle must be registered in the disabled person’s name or nominated driver’s name and must only be used for the disabled person’s personal needs.
You can apply for exemption from paying vehicle tax if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the PIP standard rate mobility component.
For more information contact our helpline on 0300 323 9962.
Can I use my Blue Badge in Europe?
The Blue Badge scheme is for drivers or passengers with severe mobility problems. The scheme provides a range of on-street parking concessions enabling Blue Badge holders to park closer to where they need to go. The scheme operates throughout the UK and is managed by local authorities who deal with applications and issue badge. The Blue Badge is recognised across Europe, so you benefit from the same parking rights as anyone else with a disability in whichever country you’re in.
Parking concessions for holders of a disabled parking card differ from country to country, so it’s important to check the rules in the country you’re visiting
For further information check out the worldwide guide to parking abroad by The International Automobile Federation.
How do I get a concessionary bus pass?
Concessionary travel gives free or discounted trips on public transport to eligible disabled people and older people living in Scotland. This information guide outlines the main travel concessions available, eligibility and how to apply. Concessions apply to buses, trains, ferries and some coach services.
Contact your Local Authority or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to apply for your National Entitlement Card. Find your local concessionary contact at the Transport Scotland Website.
You will need:
- a recent completed application form
- a recent photograph
- proof of age or disability
- proof of your current address
For further information see our Travel concessions for disabled people information guide or contact our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
How can I get a disabled parking space outside my house?
To get a disabled parking space outside of your house, you should contact your local council to apply for a disabled parking space. They will conduct an assessment which may incur a cost.
To apply, you must meet the following conditions:
- have a valid and current blue badge
- either be the driver of the vehicle or be assisted by a carer who is the driver, provided that the carer lives at the address stated
- the vehicle must be kept at the address stated in the application form
- there is normally difficulty in obtaining a parking space on the public road.
Bear in mind that the space can be used by anyone with a disabled parking blue badge and cannot be reserved for the sole use of the applicant.
For further information or help searching for your local council’s contact number then please contact our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
For more information on getting a blue badge, check out our Blue Badges Information Guide.
I would like to apply for a blue parking badge, where do I start?
The quickest and easiest way to apply for a blue badge is on-line. You will be asked a few questions to see if you may be eligible before applying.
The second option is to make an application through your local council. Many local authorities have applications available to down load online. If you do not have access to the internet then you can phone your local authority and request a paper copy be sent out.
For further information or help searching for your local council’s contact number then please contact our helpline on: 0300 323 9961 or check out our Blue Badges Information Guide.
Mobility, Travel & Transport:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Travel Insurance | Offer a travel insurance policy to those with pre-existing medical conditions |
| Aberdeen Airport Disabled Access Guide | Access guide detailing facilities for disabled people at Aberdeen Airport |
| About purchasing zero-rated adapted vehicles | Guidance on what you need to know about purchasing adapted vehicles free of VAT if you are disabled |
| Access-Aid | Stockists of the Access-Aid which clips on to vehicles to gain extra space for wheelchair users in parking bays |
| Accessible Epic Enabled Safaris | We are a tour operator specialising in accessible safaris and tours for everyone and would be delighted to welcome you on one of our safaris in South Africa. We offer monthly scheduled departure dates, but also offer private tours on request. Here are… |
| Across | Vehicles adapted to take sick and terminally ill people on pilgrimages |
| Adapted Car Hire | Provides a range of specially adapted vehicles to cater for the needs of disabled drivers and passengers |
| Adaptmobility | Vehicle adaptions specialist |
| Age Peterhead | Local disability information and advice service |
| Alfred Bekker API Ltd | Description of service: Provides a service as manufacturers of disability equipment in the field of mobility. Aids manufactured and services provided include: Nationwide fitting of hand controls available through approved installer network. Wide range… |
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