Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible?
To be eligible the applicant must be a permanent resident of Stevenage. The various categories of eligible users are:
Older persons i.e. persons of pensionable age which is:
- 60 years and over for men and women
Disabled persons i.e. an applicant is eligible who:
- Is blind or partially sighted.
- Is profoundly or severely deaf.
- Is without speech.
- Has a disability, or has suffered an injury, has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to walk.
- Does not have arms or has a long-term loss of the use of both arms
- Has a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence or social functioning.
- Would, if they applied for the grant of a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have their application refused pursuant to section 92 of that Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the grounds of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.
- Severely disabled persons, who need assistance to travel on the bus, can apply for a travel permit which allows a companion to travel with them.
Please note: all disabilities require a medical certification.
When can you use your permit?
The permit is valid at any time
How and where can you get a travel permit?
For information on how to obtain travel permits click on links below:
Requirements
Only the applicant can obtain a permit and photocard. They CANNOT be obtained by anyone else on their behalf.
How does the concessionary travel apply on the bus?
The travel permit lasts for a year or part year to 31st March and the photo identity card lasts for up to 10 years.
Permit holders must show both to the driver when boarding a bus and requesting a concession and to any authorised official on demand. No other evidence of eligibility is accepted on the bus. Failure to do so may result in you having to pay the FULL ADULT fare. The bus companies reserve the right to seek confirmation of the holder's identity.
Permit holders must state their destination clearly to the driver when boarding the bus to ensure that the destination and fare, if applicable, is correct.
The travel permit is for personal use only and MUST NOT be used by anyone else. It is an offence to allow your permit to be used by anyone else (except when travelling with one companion, where applicable, and a valid label is attached).
What happens when a permit holder becomes ineligible?
If a permit holder becomes ineligible for any reason (e.g. moving from Stevenage, disablement being removed or death) there is a duty on the applicant or next of kin to report the fact.
Loss or replacement of permit and photocard
Take care of the travel permit and photocard. If it is stolen or lost report it to the Council immediately. There will be a charge of £5.00 to cover the cost of the replacement if the permis is lost. No charge is made if the the permit is stolen and a police crime number produced.
Finding lost or misplaced travel permits and photocards
Finding your own travel permit or photocard
If a permit and photocard is handed in prior to the required 5 working days the holder will be notified either by telephone or letter and no charge will be made.
Finding a travel permit or photocard
Please hand the travel permit and/or photocard in to any of the Council offices, or place in an envelope and post (no stamp required) to The Returned Ticket Unit, FREEPOST, P.O. Box 36, Hertford SG13 8YK.
Stolen permits and photocards
If a permit or photocard is stolen (i.e. snatched handbag, purse, wallet or house burglary) and the incident has been reported to the police, a police incident number is required when the replacement is issued and no charge will be made.
Damaged or defaced travel permits and photocards
If the travel permit or photocard is damaged or defaced in anyway it becomes void you should apply for a replacement without delay. A charge will not be made if the old card or photograph is surrendered at the time of applying for a replacement. A new photograph will be required if the photocard is damaged or defaced.
Change of address
Please notify the Revenues Support Section, on 01438 242405, when you have a change of address so that our records can be updated. Alternatively you can fill in an online form:
Permit availability
Concessionary rate travel is available on most bus services in Hertfordshire, subject to certain exceptions (see below). The journey must start or end in Hertfordshire.
Services may be altered or withdrawn at any time.
National Express has a concessionary fares scheme on express coach services within mainland Britain and it applies to everyone over 60 and disabled persons.
Concessionary fares can be purchased wherever you can buy National Express tickets, including travel offices and travel agents. Tickets are also available from drivers, by phone on 08705 808080 or on-line at www.nationalexpress.com.
Permits holders are advised to consult National Express's concessionary fares leaflet or contact them directly to obtain further details.
Route exceptions
Concessionary rate travel is available on all local bus services in Hertfordshire, subject to the exceptions below: -
- Excursions and tours including long distance shopping and summer special services
- Night buses (between midnight and 06:00)
- National Express and express airport services
Operators may offer their own discounts to permit holders on excluded routes.
The journey must start and/or finish in Hertfordshire. However, concessions are also available on some routes outside Hertfordshire. A leaflet is available from the Customer Service Centre telephone 01438 242242.