Scotland-wide free bus travel allows eligible disabled people to travel free on bus services within Scotland without any peak-time restrictions. The qualifying criteria include the following:
- Receipt of the higher rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
- Receipt of the middle or higher rate of the Care Component of Disability Living Allowance
- Receipt of Attendance Allowance
- Receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PiP)
- Receipt of War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
- Holding a current Disabled Person's Parking Badge (Blue Badge)
- Being registered blind or partially sighted
- Being profoundly or severely deaf
- Having mental health issues or those who have been (or would be) refused a driving
license on medical grounds (other than on the grounds of drug or alcohol misuse).
Full details of eligibility criteria are included in the application form which can be picked up from Falkirk Library - by appointment only.
How to apply
Apply in person
You must make an appointment by phone before visiting the library to apply for your bus pass. We cannot arrange appointments by email.
Please note that Library staff cannot assess your eligibility for a bus pass, they can only process your application based on the documents you provide. Please ensure you bring ID and supporting documents to your appointment. See the FAQs below for more information.
Contact Falkirk Library for information, or to make an appointment for the days/times below.
| Days |
Times |
| Monday |
1pm - 5:00pm |
| Tuesday |
10am - 4:30pm |
| Thursday |
10am - 4:30pm |
| Friday |
10am - 12:00pm |
Apply online
To apply for a National Entitlement Card online, please go to getyournec.scot.
Full application details can be found on the website, including what documents you will need to use the online application service.
Frequently asked questions
- What supporting information will I need?
- How long will it take to process my application?
- Is there a charge to get my bus pass?
- Will I be eligible for a companion concession?
- How long is my bus pass valid for?
- Where can I use my bus pass?
- Can I use my bus pass on sightseeing tours and trips?
- I have lost my bus pass, how do I get a replacement?
- My bus pass does not scan on the bus – what should I do?
What supporting information will I need?
You will need proof of address (for example, a Council Tax bill, bank statement etc).
You will also need:
- A copy of your award letter if you receive a qualifying benefit (for example – Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, War Pensioners Mobility Supplement, Personal Independence Payment). This must be dated within the previous 12 months.
- A note of your registration number if you are registered blind or partially sighted.
- A copy of your award letter from the Ministry of Defence if you receive an award under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
- A fully completed "Certificate of Eligibility", signed by an authorised signatory if you are applying on mental health grounds. Please note that the certificate cannot be signed by your doctor.
- A note of your Blue Badge serial number if you are applying because you hold a valid Blue Badge.
- A fully completed NCT003 form if you are applying because you are epileptic. This must be signed by a hospital consultant, epilepsy nurse or doctor.
How long will it take to process my application?
Once we have taken your photograph and confirmed your supporting information, your bus pass will be posted to you in approximately 7-10 days.
Is there a charge to get my bus pass?
No, your bus pass is free.
Will I be eligible for a companion concession?
If your mobility needs require you to be accompanied when travelling, you can apply for a companion concession. This is marked with a +1 next the orange C on the bus pass.
To be eligible for a companion concession, you must be:
- Receiving (or living in a care/residential home and eligible for) the Middle or Higher Rate of the Care Component of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment Daily Living component.
- Receiving Attendance Allowance.
- Receiving War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance.
- Registered as blind. Please note that being registered as partially sighted does not qualify for a companion concession.
How long is my bus pass valid for?
Your bus pass will usually be valid for three years. If you receive Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment, your bus pass will be issued at the end of your current award. For example, if your Disability Living Allowance is for two years, your bus pass will be issued for two years.
Where can I use my bus pass?
You can use your bus pass on registered bus services and long distance bus services in Scotland. You can also travel to Berwick-Upon-Tweed and Carlisle but must pay the correct fare to travel around when you get there.
Can I use my bus pass on sightseeing tours and trips?
No, you cannot use your bus pass on sightseeing tours, trips or other similar services.
I have lost my bus pass, how do I get a replacement?
You can request a replacement by contacting us on 01324 506070. A replacement bus pass will be posted to you in approximately 7-10 days. You will not have to pay for your replacement bus pass, but you will have to pay to travel until your new bus pass arrives.
My bus pass does not scan on the bus – what should I do?
If your bus pass is valid but does not scan on the bus, the bus driver will issue a temporary pass to allow you to travel for one week. You will need to request a replacement bus pass by telephoning 01324 506070.