Bus Permit 2008 Scheme

*Please read guidance notes before printing off and filling in application form*

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Bus pass application form  

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FREE NATIONWIDE BUS TRAVEL from April 2008

From 1 April 2008, everyone aged 60 and over and qualifying disabled people will be entitled to free off peak travel (from 9.30am until 11pm on weekdays, and all day weekends and bank holidays) on bus services throughout England. This will require two major changes to the way in which the current scheme is administered.

1. New permits will be issued in a standard national format which can be recognised by bus drivers across the whole of England. The new permit will still be issued free, subject to receipt of a completed application form.

2. All permits will have to include a photograph of the holder to reduce the likelihood of fraud. The photograph will need to be of the same size and type required for passport applications.

ADDITIONAL LOCAL CONCESSION

In Woking and a number of  other Surrey Authorities you can travel between the hours of 9 am and 11 pm, Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and bank holidays. In addition disabled  pass holders can travel at anytime.

The start times across the rest of the country will vary. Please check their local times.

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Bus Permit - Frequently asked questions

I already have a bus pass which expires on 31 March 2008; can I continue to use it?

Yes, until your new pass arrives you can continue to use your existing pass as normal, but only within Surrey  until 31 May 2008.

Who can apply?

 If you are aged 60 or over, or eligible disabled and live in the Borough of Woking, you can apply.

I have never had a bus pass before. What do I need to do to apply for a pass?

You need to complete an application form and take it in person or post it to Woking Borough Council, Civic Offices Gloucester Square,along with:

  • A passport style photograph
  • Proof of residency within the Borough (for example a utility bill)
  • Proof of age (for example birth certificate, passport, driving licence etc)
    OR proof of disability. See below for acceptable documents.         .

 CONFIRMATION OF DISABILITY

 If in receipt of Disability Living Allowance but this has to be at the Higher Rate.

 If in receipt of a Blue Badge.

 If you are registered on either the Surrey Adult Disability Register or the Surrey Children’s Disability Register please show your Registration Card (SALD). 

For further information on applying to go on either of the registers please contact:

       For those aged 18 and above contact:-

       Surrey Adult Linked Disability Registers

     Surrey County Council
    AC Court, Thames Ditton
    Surrey KT7 0QH
   Freephone - 08000 566240
   Fax - 020 8541 8552
   E-mail - saldr@surreycc.gov.uk 

Information on how to apply to be added to the Surrey Adult  Linked Disability Register is available elsewhere on the site

For those aged between 5 and 17 contact:-

Surrey Children's Disability Register

On 020 8541 8792

Further information on how to apply to get your child added to the Surrey Children's Disability Register is available elsewhere on the site

  If you are registered blind or partially sighted please show your registration card or letter. 

 If you are not registered contact: 

The Surrey Association for Visual Impairment on 01372 377701 (messages may be left out of hours). 

If you have been or are likely to be refused a driving licence on medical grounds please provide a copy of the refusal letter. 

If you are registered as profoundly or severely deaf please show your registration card or letter. 

Where can I get hold of an application form?

Application forms are available from the Civic Offices. We can also send you a copy by post or via email. Contact Customer Services on 01483 755855 or email customers@woking.gov.uk 
 *Please read guidance notes before filling in the form.*
print form here 

Once I have submitted my application form, how long will it take until I receive my new pass?

  Your bus pass will be processed and posted to you within 21 working days. 

Why do we need to supply a photograph?

As permit holders will be entitled to free bus travel throughout England the permit will become a valuable commodity. Photographs will be included on the permit in order to reduce the incidence of fraud.

Will any photo be acceptable?

No, it must be a recent passport style photograph sized 35mm x 45mm. The photo must be in colour and show a close up of the holder's head and shoulders, facing forwards, looking straight towards the camera and without any head covering unless it is worn for religious beliefs. Nothing should cover your face and please ensure that nothing covers the outline of your eyes, nose or mouth. Glasses are fine, providing they are not heavily tinted, but sunglasses should not be worn.

More information on passport photos.

Where is the nearest photo booth in Woking?

The nearest booths in Woking can be located at the following

  • Woking Library

  • Peacocks Centre In Woolworths

  • Post Office, Town Square

Harpers on Commercial Way can produce passport style photos if you are unable to find a photo booth.

Do I have to pay for a new permit?

No. the new bus permit will be issued free of charge.

What will the new style permit look like?

New style permits will be issued in a standard national format which can be recognised by bus drivers across the whole of England. Please  view here  to see an example. 

When will my permit expire?

Your permit expiry date will be on the front of your new style bus permit. Permits will expire at different times in order to stagger the re-issue but will have a minimum life of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years.

Will I be able to enjoy free bus travel everywhere within the UK?

No. The concession will only apply within England

Will a companion be able to travel with me?
 

If you find it impossible to travel on your own, you can apply for a plus one companion permit.  This will entitle you and a companion to travel WITHIN Surrey only.
A letter from Social Services is needed to qualify for a companion permit.

Will I be able to use my bus pass on community transport?


No. You will only be able to use your bus pass with registered local bus service providers.  If in doubt, please check with the bus provider. 

Can I use my bus pass in London?

You will only be able to use it on the bus network, not on the train, tube, National Express, or Docklands Light Railway (DLR).

What happens if I move?

If you move please contact Customer Services on 01483 755855 or email customers@woking.gov.uk or visit the Civic Offices.If you are moving outside of the Borough of Woking you will need to apply for a new bus pass from the Authority you are moving to.  In these cases, the bus pass issed by Woking Borough Council must be returned to us for cancellation. 

What do I do if my pass is lost/stolen or damaged?

You will need to report this immediately to Customer Services either in person at the Civic Offices or alternatively on 01483 755855 or by email to customers@woking.gov.uk.  You will be required to complete a replacement form which will be sent for processing and your new pass will be sent to you in the post within 14 working days.

Will there be a charge for a replacement pass?

There will be no charge for one replacement pass.  However all subsequent lost/stolen or damaged passes will incur a replacement charge of £10.00 per card replaced.