Frequently Asked Questions

*Please note:

When applying online for a bus pass on grounds of disability, please email your evidence to transport@somerset.gov.uk.  This will enable us to speed up the application process, as the system does not allow multiple documents to be uploaded. All other information can be completed using the online application. 

1. When can I apply for a Somerset senior bus pass?

The age eligibility is the same as a woman's pensionable age for both men and women. Visit the Gov.uk website to find out when you will be eligible. You can also check your age eligibility by using the State Pension Calculator. Age of eligibility is gradually changing from 60 to 66. You can apply for your bus pass 28 days in advance of your eligibility date. Once successfully applied the pass will then be pre-ordered to print 8 days before the eligible date.

2. How long is my bus pass valid for?

The expiry date can be found on the bus pass and is dependent on the evidence submitted. However, most passes are valid for a maximum of 5 years.

3. How long will it take to get my bus pass?

The pass will be posted to you. Please only contact us if you have not received your pass after 28 days of applying. If there is a problem with your application we will send you an email to the address registered to your account.

 

4. My Postcode is not accepted by the concessionary pass system? 

Due to the way new post codes are added to our database, please contact the concessionary fares team if you are unable to register your address on the bus pass system. We will then arrange for your post code to be added and will inform you when you are able to complete your online application. This applies to new build properties. 

5. I am moving house do I need to change my bus pass?

If you have moved out of Somerset, you must tell us. Your Somerset record will be deactivated, and the Somerset issued pass will no longer be valid for use 14 days after deactivation. Please contact your new travel concession authority to apply for a new pass. If you don't know who this is, please see www.gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass or www.gov.uk/apply-for-disabled-bus-pass

If you have moved inside Somerset, all you need to do is update us with your new address, your pass will still be valid until it expires.

 If you move to Somerset from another authority, you must tell that authority that you have moved. They will cancel your existing travel pass, and you must apply to us for a new travel pass.

6. Where and when can I use my pass?

You can use your pass anywhere in England but not Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Conditions of use may vary from one authority to another and we encourage you to check the rules for use in Somerset Council scheme rules.

The statutory times of use are 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday and at all times at weekends and public holidays.

7. I am having problems logging in, what account should I use?

The concessionary pass system is a separate system from other Council systems. If you have never had a log in to this system you will need to register as a new user either by applying for a pass if you have never had a pass before or by requesting a renewal.

 

8. What if I share an email address with another Pass holder such as my husband/wife/partner? For data security reasons and to reduce the risk of fraud, it is not possible to create more than one Bus Pass account with the same email address. If you share an email address with someone who has already created an account you can either: Use a different email address to set up an account or Contact the Concessionary Travel Team who can post a paper application form.


9. Is your website accessible to users with disabilities / of assistive technologies?

 Please see the Accessibility Statement below:


This website is run by South West Smart Applications Ltd on behalf of Somerset Council. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to:

  • zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
  • navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
  • navigate most of the website using speech recognition software
  • listen to most of the website using a screen reader

We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.

AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

 

Technical Information

South West Smart Applications Ltd is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

 

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.2 AA standard.

 

Non-Accessible Content

This website was last tested for accessibility in June 2024 and is tested annually to ensure it reflects the latest standards.

 

The content listed below is non-accessible:

 

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

  • Not all images use an [img] tag.
  • Page titles are not unique or sufficiently descriptive.
  • Headings are not nested properly.
  • Not all links can be understood without context.
  • The purpose of some inputs cannot easily be identified.

The above items will be resolved before the next test.

 

Disproportionate burden

  • Errors associated with form elements are unclear.
  • The language of the page is not set.

The above items will be reviewed in the next test.

 

Reporting Problems with Web Accessibility

We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems related to disability web access not listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, please write to us at:

Smart Applications Management

3 The Crescent

Plymouth

PL1 3AB