What is the National Bus Pass Scheme?

The Scheme was announced in the 2006 Budget by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and replaced all existing local Schemes as from 1 April 2008.  The new pass allows free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England for eligible people.  Mid Suffolk pass holders will have the additional benefits of being able to travel at any time (24 hours a day, seven days a week) for journeys starting in Suffolk, and of Key Card discounts.

Which bus services can I travel on?

The pass will entitle holders to free off-peak travel (9.30am to 11pm) on local bus services in England. Scheduled coach services are not included (unless they are also registered as local services).

What will the national pass look like?

The national pass will be in a standard format, it will include your photograph and have a unique number so we can identify your pass.  It will also be a smartcard.  A smartcard is a plastic card containing a microchip which can store information electronically.  At some time in the future there will be a requirement for all buses to have smartcard readers and therefore new passes are being provided on the basis of this requirement coming forward.  In the short term passes will simply be shown to the driver as at present.

On the reverse of the pass is a Mid Suffolk Key Card, which entitles you to a range of discounts with businesses and services around the District.

Who is eligible for a National Bus Pass / Key Card?

A person permanently resident in Mid Suffolk District who:

Is aged 60 years or over and born before and including 5 April 1950.  If born after this date please check eligibility at the following link ChangeinAgeEligibility;
Is registered as blind or partially sighted or is without speech or severely or profoundly deaf;
Is without the use of both arms;
Has a permanent disability which seriously impairs their ability to walk (a Blue Badge cannot be accepted as proof); or
Is not permitted to drive or likely to be refused a driving licence for medical reasons

What documents will I need to submit with my application?

If you qualify on the age criteria you will need to send a photocopy of a document showing your date of birth (eg birth certificate, medical card, driving licence, passport etc) and a passport-sized photograph together with proof of your address (eg utility bill).
Eligibility criteria for disabilities vary according to the disability.  For more information please contact our Customer Service Centre on 0845 6060 6067 who will be able to give further guidance.

How will my documents be returned?

Please do not send original documents as we cannot accept responsibility for any loss.  Photocopies of documents will not be returned.  If you are enrolling in person at a Customer Service Centre, original documents are required.

Do I need to apply in person?

Application forms may be requested by telephone or in person by contacting our Customer Service Centres. Completed forms may be returned by post or handed in to one of our Customer Service Centres.  You can apply online for a Key Card by following the link on the service description.  Note that if you apply online, you will still need to post your supporting documents to the Customer Service Centre, or present them in-person.

How long will it take to receive my National Bus Pass?

Passes are normally issued 7/10 days after receipt of the correctly completed application form and relevant documentation.

How long will my National Bus Pass last?

Your National Bus Pass will normally be valid until 31 March 2013 regardless of the date of issue.

Can I use my National Bus Pass on the Ipswich Park and Ride service?

Yes, providing all members of the travelling party hold a National Bus Pass.  When boarding show your pass(es) to the driver who will then issue your ticket.  (Other town Park and Ride services may not operate in the same way so always check before boarding the bus)

Can I use my National Bus Pass in London?

National Bus Passes are accepted on local London buses but not on the inderground.

Is there any charge for a National Bus Pass?

Passes are free but there will be a £10.00 administration fee for the replacement of lost cards.

I have lost my Bus Pass– what should I do?

As from 1 April 2010 a £10 administration fee will be charged.  This must be paid before a duplicate pass can be issued.  Please contact the Bus Pass office on 01449 724681 or 724673 for further details.  You do not need to provide another photograph.

What happens if I cannot travel on the bus unaccompanied?

As from 1 April 2010, if you are unable to travel on a bus on your own you because of a disability you may be eligible for a Companion Pass that entitles a companion to travel free of charge also.  For more information contact 01449 724681 or 724673.

What happens if I am not able to travel by bus?

AIf you are unable to use conventional public transport you may be eligible for help in the form of concessionary travel vouchers.  For more information please contact 01449 724681 or 724673.

I have moved, what should I do?

If you have moved to another address you only need to advise our Customer Service Centre of your new address.  If you have moved outside the Mid Suffolk District you will need to contact the council to whom you are paying council tax and request another bus pass.  On receiving your new pass you must return the one isssued by Mid Suffolk istrict Council to Bus Passes, MSDC, 131 High Street, Needham Market IP6 8DL. 

What if I no longer need/can use my National Bus Pass/Key Card?

If a bus pass holder becomes ineligible for any reason, he/she or the next of kin must surrender the card to the council.  If you wish to still have a Key Card please contact our Customer Service Centre on 0845 606 6067.