Bus pass and Northlink ferry vouchers

National Entitlement Card Scheme

If you are over 60 or meet the disability criteria provided below you are entitled to free bus travel anywhere in Scotland with a valid National Entitlement Card (bus pass).

More information can be found here.

If you are aged between 5 and 21 then from 31st January 2022 you are entitled to free bus travel anywhere in Scotland under the Free Bus Travel for Under 22s Scheme.

More information can be found here.

If you are a full time volunteer aged 22-25 you are entitled to 1/3 off adult bus travel anywhere in Scotland with a Young Scot Card (Young Scot cards also provide access to discounted rail travel in Scotland).

Shetland Over 60’s and Disabled residents with a valid National Entitlement Card, and Young Scot Card holders aged 16-18, receive 4 Northlink Ferry Vouchers valid for travel April to March each year. The ferry vouchers entitle you to a bunk in a cabin (not exclusive use of the cabin).

Apply online or Contact us for more information.

Existing cardholders can use the online service to:

  • Request a photo update
  • Request a replacement card
  • Apply to renew an expired/expiring card

COVID-19 Update

Some cardholders may have pre-booked a journey using their 2020/21 ferry vouchers which expire on 31 March 2021, and are now unable to undertake this journey due to the COVID-19 lockdown travel restrictions.

Anyone with an existing booking for travel on or before 31 March 2021 may be able to rebook an alternative journey using their 2020/21 vouchers, which must be undertaken by 30 September 2021.

It is important to remember that capacity on ferry services is limited due to social distancing measures and you should not book a journey before 31 March if you do not intend to make it. 

For more information please visit the Transport Scotland website.

 

Disabled applicant critera

There are two types of disabled bus pass available, Disabled and Disabled + Companion.

The eligibility criteria for the Disabled pass is as follows:

  • Higher rate of mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
  • Higher or middle rate care component of Disability Living Allowance
  • Standard or Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
  • Attendance Allowance award letter
  • Award letter from Veteran Agency confirming receipt of mobility supplement
  • DVLA V11 showing “disabled taxation class” or DLA 404
  • Disabled Blue Badge
  • Blind Registration Certificate – letter from local authority, RNIB or other blind society
  • War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance
  • Authorised Transport Scotland NCT003 – Epilepsy certificate available from your local authority
  • DVLA letters D206, D235, D220, NS57 stating failure of eyesight standard to drive or revoking of driving licence on medical grounds of physical fitness
  • Audiologist written report, letter from Society for the Deaf, letter from Hospital Consultant
  • Authorised Transport Scotland NCT002 – Mental Health Certificate available from your local authority
  • Hospice admittance letter
  • DS1500 report
  • Written confirmation from prosthetics clinic/centre, physiotherapist, rehabilitation centre
  • Letter from Hospital Consultant if applying on the grounds of suffering from a progressive degenerative disorder

The eligibility criteria for the Disabled + Companion pass is as follows:

  • Higher or middle rate care component of Disability Living Allowance
  • Standard or Enhanced Rate Daily Living Component of Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
  • Attendance Allowance award letter
  • War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance
  • Blind Registration Certificate – letter from local authority, RNIB or other blind society
  • Letter from Care/Residential Home

Please note that all newly issued ferry vouchers now have a QR code printed on them in place of the C or C+1 logo

You can find further information about Scottish travel fares and discounts at Citizens Advice Scotland