NoWcard bus pass

What is a NoWcard?

The NoWcard English National Concession Travel bus pass is a smart card which allows free off peak travel on local bus services throughout England.

There are two types of NoWcard:

• Older Person's NoWcard
• Disabled Person's and 24/7 Disabled NoWcard

Who issues the NoWcard bus pass?

The scheme is run by Cumbria County Council. You must apply to them and they will issue passes.

Using your NoWcard bus pass

• You can use your NoWcard bus pass between 9.30am and 11pm, Monday to Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays on local bus services throughout England.

• Holders of 24/7 Disabled NoWcards are also entitled to free travel before 9.30am and after 11pm Monday to Friday on local bus journeys that start, end or are wholly within Cumbria.

Where can't I travel with my NoWcard bus pass?

You cannot travel in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland with your NoWcard.

When am I entitled to an older person's bus pass?

• The age at which older people become eligible for a NoWcard is the same age at which women become eligible for the state pension

• Anyone born before 6 April 1953 is eligible. If you were born after this date, to see when you would be eligible check on the age eligibility table on Cumbria County Council's website.

When am I entitled to a disabled person's bus pass?

• You can find out if you are eligible see disabled person's bus pass on Cumbria County Council's website or disability guidance issued by the Department for Transport on NoWcard's website

• If you are a companion or carer of someone with a disabled person's bus pass, a companion entitlement can be added to a disabled person's National Concession bus pass. This allows a companion or carer to travel with a disabled person on local bus journeys that start, end or are wholly within Cumbria.

• Disabled NoWcard is available to help those with a disability to access work (paid or unpaid), training or day care services before 9.30am. To see if you are eligible read Disabled NoWcards on Cumbria County Council's website.

Where can I get my bus pass?

In Eden you can get your bus pass from:

• Alston Local Links
  Town Hall, Front Street, Alston CA9 3RF
  Telephone: 01434 382244

• Kirkby Stephen Local Links
  Old Grammar School, Vicarage Lane, Kirkby Stephen CA17 4QX
  Telephone: 017683 71775

• Penrith Library
  St. Andrew's Churchyard, Penrith CA11 7YA
  Telephone: 01768 812100

Apply for a NoWcard bus pass

You won't need to fill in a lengthy application form or take in a passport photo. The staff at Alston, Kirkby Stephen or Penrith will do this for you.

Documents needed for an older person's bus pass:

You must bring with you a copy of one item in list A and one item in list B:

A - Proof of age

• Birth certificate
• Proof of state pension
• Passport
• Driving licence

B - Proof of address

• Council tax bill
• Utility bill dated within the last 3 months
• Rent book / statement
• Bank statement dated within the last 3 months

Documents needed for a disabled person's bus pass:

You must bring with you a copy of one or more of the following items in list A and one item in list B. Cumbria County Council will make an assessment based on your individual circumstances.

A - Proof of disability

• Blind Registration Form or Card
• Letter from Social Services (learning disability)
• DLA Mobility Component at the Higher Rate (valid for minimum of 12 months from date of application)
• PIP Mobility Component at the Enhanced Rate (valid for minimum of 12 months from date of application)
• Letter or Certificate from medical specialist or hospital
• War Pension mobility supplement
• Blue Badge (valid for minimum of 12 months from date of application)
• Letter from DVLA (confirming that you have surrendered your licence due to physical fitness

B - Proof of address

• Council tax bill
• Utility bill dated within the last 3 months
• Rent book / statement
• Bank statement dated within the last 3 months

What happens if my NoWcard is lost, damaged or stolen?

If your NoWcard is lost or damaged, there is a charge of £10.50 for a replacement card.

If you NoWcard is stolen report the theft to the police. The police will give you a police crime number so you will not have to pay when you apply for another card.

For more details on lost, damaged or stolen NoWcard go to Concessionary travel on Cumbria County Council's website.

What if my address changes?

Please go to where you got your bus pass from or contact the NoWcard helpline on 0300 123 6737.