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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 administered by Cumbria County Council. Applications must be made to them and they will issue passes.

Where and when can I use my 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 May 1952 is eligible. If you were born after this date, please check the table on Cumbria County Council's website to see when you would be eligible.

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

You can find out if you are eligible by reading qualifying for a 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.
A 24/7 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 24/7 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

What do I have to do to 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 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 information read replace your lost, damaged or stolen NoWcard on Cumbria County Council's website.