Bus Pass

If you live in England and are of eligible age or an eligible disabled person, you are entitled to an English National Concessionary Bus Pass. Application forms are available from the Council’s offices or can be downloaded from the Essex County Council website.

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 and we suggest you check arrangements before travelling.

Your pass will allow you free off-peak travel anywhere in England during the following times:
• Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 11pm
• all day (24 hours) 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. Please contact the council for further advice.

Eligibility

Older people become eligible at the female age of retirement. An eligibility calculator can help you work out when you will become eligible for a pass.

To use this, please visit the Essex County Council website.

If you believe that you are eligible, or have any questions, please contact the council.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to complete an application form to renew my bus pass?

If you currently hold a bus pass issued by Epping Forest District Council expiring on 31 March 2012 there is no need to contact the Council as your new bus pass will automatically be renewed and sent to you. If you have a disabled persons pass that is issued on a short-term basis you will need to re-apply.

I have changed my address within the district since my last bus pass was issued, do I need to notify you?

Yes, if you have moved and have not already notified the Council's Concessionary Travel department of a change of address your bus pass may have been sent to your old address. Please contact us for more information on 01992 564373.

I live in the District and I have a bus pass issued by the previous Authority. Do I need to apply to you for a new bus pass?

If your previous address was in Southend on Sea, Thurrock or anywhere else in the Country then yes, you must contact us and complete a bus pass application form. You must also contact your previous Authority to advise them to cancel your bus pass. However if you lived anywhere else within Essex there is no need for your bus pass to be replaced as we issue the passes to residents on behalf of Essex County Council. You must however contact your previous Council to advise them of your change of address.

My partner / relative / friend has recently passed away, should I contact the Council and return their bus pass for cancellation?

Yes, you should return the bus pass to the Council as soon as possible for cancellation.

I am no longer able to use my bus pass, should I inform the Council that I do not require a renewal?

Yes, you should contact the Council and return your bus pass for cancellation as soon as possible.

The name on my current bus pass is incorrect/has changed, what should I do?

If your name has been spelt incorrectly or has changed, you must contact the Council to advise of the correct spelling or change of name.

Can I use my current bus pass after it expires?

No, however, should there be any delays in dispatching the new bus passes for any reason, Essex County Council will publicise information accordingly.

Are there any changes to the style of the new bus pass?

Yes, the new bus pass will be of a different design, but the conditions of use will remain the same.

When will I receive my new bus pass?

Your new bus pass will be sent to you within two working weeks.

I have a question that has not been covered, who do I contact?

You can Epping Forest District Council’s concessionary travel department on 01992 564373.

Travel information

Essex County Council has online services to plan your journey, find your local bus timetable, obtain operator contact details or to view the Essex Public Transport map.

For advice on public transport information through the UK provided by local authorities and bus operators working in partnerhip, contact Traveline either by telephone on 0871 200 22 33 or visit the Traveline website.