New Forest District Council offers its qualifying residents three options to assist them with their everyday travel needs which includes free travel on Local Buses throughout England.
(Note: Are you a young person? See Concessionary Fares for Young Person's
How the scheme works.
Below we explain the differences, tell you who qualifies, and where the Farepass and Vouchers can be used. You can also print off an Application Form 
to complete and return.
Residents eligible will only receive one concession (i.e. Farepass, Vouchers OR Disabled Rail Warrant) in any one year.
Dates of Eligibility for Concessionary Travel
From 6th April 2010, the age of eligibility for concessionary travel for women will be pension age and for men it will be the pensionable age of a woman born on the same day.
This means that the earliest date you can get your bus pass will depend on which month you were born. (click here to find out when you will be eligible )
All full-time permanent residents within New Forest District Council of eligible age.
Residents of any age who are disabled and qualify under one or more of the following:
- Blind or partially sighted
- Profoundly or severely deaf
- Without speech
- Disability or injury which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to walk
- Without arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
- Learning disability that is a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind.
- A person who, if they applied for a licence to drive a motor vehicle, would have their application refused on the grounds of physical fitness. This does not include applications refused on the grounds of misuse of drugs or alcohol.
What does it entitle me to?
Free All Day travel on local bus journeys starting within the NFDC district and during off peak periods throughout the rest of England.
The pass also covers journeys on the Hythe Ferry during off peak hours, restrictions may apply. To travel free on Hythe ferry residents have to obtain a ticket from the Hythe ferry office. Tickets for free travel are not available from the departure point in Southampton. For further details please contact Hythe Ferry on 023 8084 0722. Off peak hours are 9.30 am until 11.00 pm Monday to Friday and all day weekends and bank holidays.
Who qualifies?
Residents of eligible age who receive housing and/or council tax benefit or guaranteed pension credit
Residents who qualify under the disability/mobility criteria above.
What does it entitle me to?
Those who qualify under the above categories will have the choice of local travel vouchers to the value of £40
Vouchers can be used on Dial-a-ride and local registered taxis, but not on local buses.
A Disabled Rail Warrant entitles you to reduced price rail travel. The Council will send you a warrant to enable you to apply. If you choose this option you will also receive some Local Travel Vouchers.
One passport sized photograph is required with all new applications.
If you require further information please call our Customer Services Centre on 01590 646126 or email customer.services@nfdc.gov.uk.
Further information can be found on the DirectGov site - Free Travel and Concessions and for Blue Badge Holders please see http://bluebadge.direct.gov.uk
Hampshire County Council also have a full list of Bus Operators
Please send your completed Application Form to the Concessionary Travel Section, New Forest District Council, Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington, SO41 9ZG
Frequently asked questions.
Below you'll find more information about the changes to the National Bus Concession. If there's anything else you need to know, don't hesitate to contact Customer Services on 01590 646126
Q. What is the new National Bus Concession?
A. From 1st April 2008, the new National Bus Concession will enable eligible users to get free travel on local buses anywhere in England.
Q. Who's eligible for the new concession?
A. People of eligible age or eligible disabled people meeting the criteria listed are entitled to concessionary bus travel.
Q. When exactly is off-peak travel?
A. Off peak hours are after 9.30am until 11pm Monday - Friday, and all day weekends and bank holidays.
Q. What is the definition of a 'local' bus?
A. The definition of a 'local' bus will be self-evident in most cases, but in a few instances could include some longer distance buses and coach services where part of their route is registered as a local bus service.
Q. Will I be able to enjoy free travel everywhere within the UK?
A. No, the concession will only apply within England.
Q. I don't live in London, but I visit relatives there occasionally. Will I be able to enjoy the same benefits as a Freedom Pass holder if I travel there?
A. No. Because those benefits are paid for by the London authorities, only London Freedom Pass holders will be able to enjoy additional local travel on the tube, trains and trams. You will, however, be able to enjoy the statutory national concession of free off-peak local bus travel when visiting the capital.
Q. How do I get a concessionary travel pass?
Please call Customer Services on 01590 646126 or download an application form
Q. Do I need to get a new pass if I'm not planning to travel outside my local area?
A. If you live outside Greater London, you must get a new pass to ensure that you're able to access free services across England from 1st April 2008.
