Frequently Asked Questions

Need some help.

See frequently asked questions below.

If your question is still unanswered, please use the Contact page to submit your query.

Does my transport operator offer smart travel options?

The vast majority of the public transport network in Scotland is now covered by smartcards , m-ticket mobile apps and/or smart payments.

To see if your transport operator is operating smart, click Smart Operator List  or visit the link below.

I have lost my operator smartcard. What do I do?

Contact your smartcard provider. Let them know if there are any other tickets from other operators stored on the card. Keep receipts so you can claim the tickets back or have them added onto your new card.

My smartcard does not work. What do I do?

Contact your smartcard provider. They will take you through their fault finding process.

I have bought a season ticket. Do I need to do anything?

Make sure you register your card and ticket with the operator to ensure your ticket is protected should you lose it or a fault occurs.

scottish entitlement card rail travel

What is a National Entitlement Card (NEC)?

The NEC is your concessionary travel card; you may know it as your free bus pass. It is for all Scottish residents over the age of 60 or for eligible disabled persons. Some local authorities issue a standard NEC for their residents.

Where can I get a National Entitlement Card?

You can apply for a Over 60s or Disabled Persons Concessionary Card (bus pass) below if you have not already got one. The card is already smart enabled to allow you to load ITSO tickets for alternative modes of public transport, not just your bus pass.

Some local authorities issue a standard NEC to its residents upon request for additional local services. These too are already smart enabled for storing ITSO travel tickets.

I have lost my National Entitlement Card. What do I do?

If you have lost your National Entitlement Card or require a replacement, please contact your local authority.

scottish entitlement card rail travel

Is my smartcard an ITSO smartcard?

If your smartcard has the ITSO dot on, then your card is ready to be used on multiple modes and with multiple operators. ITSO is the Integrated Transport Smartcard Organisation responsible for the technical specification which allows your tickets to be stored and used securely.

Can I use my ITSO smartcard on cross-border rail services?

ITSO smartcards are accepted by all participating Scottish Transport operators.

Most operators currently accept ScotRail season tickets on smartcard, and Cross Country and Transpennine Express also accept some other ticket types on smartcard. We are continuing to work with cross-border operators to extend this to other ticket types.

Please check with your operator before travelling.

Can I load money onto my ITSO smartcard?

Your smartcard can be used to store tickets for multiple modes of transport from multiple transport operators. It is not a payment method.

However, Glasgow Subway users can load Pay As You Go (PAYG) credit onto their ITSO smartcard and the appropriate fare will be deducted when you tap at the gate.

Why can't we have just one ITSO smartcard instead of many?

There are over 2 million smartcards in use across Scotland now, so allowing people to retain those they already have will help to reduce the number of new plastic smartcards being produced.

These ITSO smartcards all now work the same, so any one of them can be used across modes and operators.

Can I load a Stagecoach ticket onto my ScotRail smartcard?

Yes. You can now load any ITSO travel ticket onto any ITSO smartcard, regardless of who issued you the card.

The smartcards available to load any ITSO travel product are listed on our website.

How do I use my ITSO smartcard?

All ITSO smartcards can be loaded with any ITSO smart ticket across transport operators and travel modes.

It is not a payment method, smartcards are used to hold your tickets and reduce the need for multiple paper tickets or plastic smartcards in your wallet.

Depending on your operator, smart tickets can usually be purchased and uploaded at ticket offices, ticket vending machines (TVMs), on board or online and you can pay by cash, card or contactless. Please note that some season tickets require a photo smartcard to be purchased.

Are ITSO smartcards available on mobile?

Not at the moment.

We recognise the potential for mobile technology and convenience for travellers and Transport Scotland have committed to a study on how the over 60s and disabled person's National Entitlement smartcard concessionary travel scheme can be delivered on mobile.

ITSO are working with First Bus to trial this using Google Pay and SPT Subway are currently piloting the SmartApp with ITSO technology on mobile.

For other ITSO tickets, it is a commercial decision for operators to consider adopting this on mobile.

Can I load an SPT ZoneCard onto my ITSO smartcard?

No, the Zonecard is not an ITSO travel product.

In Glasgow there is a bus to bus smartzone available on ITSO, this is the Glasgow Tripper ticket.

We will continue to work with operators to make improvements and expand the range of smart-enabled tickets available moving forward.

Can I load a PlusBus ticket onto my ITSO smartcard?

You can purchase your PlusBus ticket from any ScotRail ticket vending machine and these are widely accepted on ITSO smartcards on Stagecoach buses.

We are continuing to work with other bus operators to accept PlusBus tickets on ITSO smartcards.

Will an ITSO smartcard get me a discount on travel?

The National Concessionary scheme provides free bus travel for eligible cardholders. In some areas your National Entitlement smartcard may get you discounts on other modes of transport depending on where you live, although this is subject to operator's commercial arrangements. You can find out more by phoning the number on the back of your card.

Some operators also provide other types of discounted travel, such as savings on season tickets, student discounts or promotional offers. Please check your operator's website for details.

Who doesn't accept ITSO smartcards?

Most major public transport operators now accept ITSO smartcards, however some do not and use other smart travel ticket and payment methods instead.

For example, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams do not yet accept ITSO smartcards, however have their own non-ITSO smartcards, and accept m-tickets and contactless payment.

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Save Money on Travel With Your Young Scot National Entitlement Card

Find out how you can get cheaper transport on buses, trains and ferries with your Young Scot NEC.

With your Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) you can save money on travel across Scotland by train, bus and ferry.

Find out how to get cheaper travel:

  • If you’re a full-time volunteer

scottish entitlement card rail travel

Train 

Get a 1/3 off rail travel if you’re 16, 17 or 18 years old (or up to 25 years old and a full time volunteer) or save 50% on weekly or monthly Season Tickets.

Please ensure you have your Young Scot NEC with you when you travel. You cannot buy tickets for anyone else using your Young Scot NEC. 

Restrictions 

  • If you travel before 10 am Monday–Friday, a minimum-spend limit of £12 applies in order to get a third off of your ticket. These restrictions do not apply in July and August, or if you’re purchasing a season ticket. 
  • Tickets can be bought in person from the ticket office or on the train. Simply ask for the Young Scot discount and show your card to get the reduced fare. Tickets should only be bought on the train where a ticket cannot be bought at the station due to no ticket office or ticket machine. 
  • You can also book online via the  ScotRail website  or by calling 0330 303 0111 . 

Visit the  National Rail website  for terms and conditions.  

Get more information, claim your discount and plan your journey via  ScotRail’s website .  

scottish entitlement card rail travel

All young people under 22 years old and living in Scotland get free bus travel.

Free bus travel can be accessed by using your Young Scot NEC.

Find out more about how to access free bus travel in Scotland. 

If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 and live on a Scottish island you will receive four ferry vouchers which gives you two free return ferry journeys to the mainland each year.  

The vouchers are valid from 1 April to 31 March of the following year and you get them automatically until you turn 19 (or 26 for full-time volunteers). 

If you have received ferry vouchers because you are aged 16-18, you must be under 19 on the date you travel. Ferry terminal staff will check you have a valid Young Scot card and ferry voucher when you travel and will also check the date of birth on your Young Scot card. 

You will require a valid Young Scot NEC and valid ferry voucher when you book and will need to have these on the day of travel or you will need to pay for the journey. 

Volunteer full-time?

If you are a full-time volunteer aged up to 26 years old you get discounted rail travel, discounted bus travel, plus ferry vouchers for Island residents  

Full time volunteers aged between 19-21 years old (inclusive) are entitled to free bus travel under the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme . In addition, when aged 22-25 years old (inclusive) you’re also eligible for discounted bus travel if you volunteer for more than 30 hours a week.  

You’ll need to submit an up to date letter from a senior official in a recognised volunteering organisation which confirms your name, full postal address, and that you volunteer with that organisation for 30+ hours per week. 

Your Young Scot NEC also gives full-time volunteers a 1/3 discount off the adult single fare on almost all local and long-distance buses in Scotland. It also works on services to and from Carlisle and Berwick-Upon-Tweed from anywhere in Scotland. Book in advance or just show your card when you jump on a bus. 

Getting the discount is simple. Place your card on the electronic ticketing machine, state your destination to the driver and your discount will automatically be calculated. 

For more information about concessionary travel discounts, please visit the Transport Scotland website .  

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Young Scot card

The Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC) is available free of charge to everyone aged 11 to 25 living in Scotland.

You can use it to:

  • get exclusive rewards and discounts 
  • travel 
  • prove your age

Visit the Young Scot website for information on:

  • how to apply for a Young Scot card
  • how to update your photo or details
  • what you can use the Young Scot card for

If you're 16, 17 or 18 you can get cheaper transport with your Young Scot card on:

  • ferries, if you live on an island

You can travel on the bus for free if you're under 22.

Train travel

You can use your Young Scot card when booking discounted train travel. There are some restrictions on the amount of discount and the time you can travel.

If you already have a Young Scot card, and you live on a Scottish island, you'll be sent 4 free ferry vouchers each year while you're 16, 17 and 18.

The vouchers can only be used by you and will have your photo and card number printed on them. You must carry your Young Scot card with you when making a ferry trip.

You can travel for free on the bus in Scotland if you're under 22. You can update your Young Scot card or order a new one with free bus travel.

Find out more about appyling for an under 22s bus pass .

Proof of age

You can use the Young Scot card to prove how old you are.

Every Young Scot card has a PASS hologram, meaning that your age and personal details have been verified by your card issuer and that you are who you say you are.

The PASS scheme is backed by the Police and Trading Standards, and it is valid in Scottish law.

Update or replace a card

Contact your local council  or getyourNEC.scot if you need to:

  • update the details on your Young Scot card or change your photo
  • replace your Young Scot card

Help and support

To get help or support with your Young Scot card you should contact your local council or visit Young.Scot.

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60+ or disabled

If you are over 60 or have a disability, you could be eligible for free bus travel to get around Scotland and your local area. You can access this via the National Entitlement Card, your pass to free bus travel in Scotland.

The National Entitlement Card scheme also allows for free travel for companions where required by eligible disabled people of any age (including children under 5).

How to apply

To apply for a National Entitlement Card, you should contact your local authority or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) for details of the application process in your area. There may be a different process if applying on age grounds as opposed to grounds of disability. Your local authority will be able to tell you if you need to complete an application form and what you need to do when you apply.

We are unable to send out forms as these should be obtained from your local authority/council office. It is not possible to download forms from the website or send these by email.

In order to make the application process as smooth as possible, you will need:

  • a completed application form (not all local authorities require this, check with yours to confirm the process in your area)
  • a recent passport type photograph
  • proof of age or disability
  • proof of your current address

Check the National Entitlement Card website for more information on proofs required to confirm your identity and address.

If applying on grounds of disability, check the eligibility section on the Transport Scotland website for more information on proofs required.

Objectives and benefits

The scheme provides free travel on registered local and long-distance bus services throughout Scotland, at any time of day for any number of journeys, for those aged 60 and over, as well as for eligible disabled people who live in Scotland.

Cardholders living in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles receive two free return ferry journeys each year to the Scottish mainland.

The key objectives of the concessionary travel scheme are to:

  • allow older and disabled people, improved access to services, facilities and social networks, promoting social inclusion
  • improve health by promoting a more active lifestyle for the elderly and disabled
  • remove the restrictions of the previous local off-peak concessionary fare scheme which was limited in offering access to facilities
  • promote a modal shift from private cars to public transport
  • maintain a viable position for bus operators with a standard reimbursement rate
  • provide opportunities for improvements to public transport, such as assisting development of multi-operator ticketing and the use of electronic ticket machine technology
  • facilitate a more effective administration of the system by adopting a standard reimbursement rate and shifting operational responsibility from local authorities to Transport Scotland
  • provide a stimulus to the introduction of smart ticketing

Where can I travel?

Almost everywhere in Scotland and as far as Carlisle and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Your National Entitlement Card gives you free travel throughout Scotland on nearly all local registered and long-distance scheduled bus services. Only a few services, such as premium-fare night buses and City Sightseeing buses, do not accept the card.

So many of Scotland's major towns and cities are easily accessible with the National Entitlement Card. Use the Visit Scotland website to find out how you can reach some of the country's best attractions by bus.

Some local authorities offer other discounts on rail, tram or subway for their card-holders. Your card-issuing Local Authority can tell you more – a contact number can be found on the back of your card when you receive it.

Using your card

You can use your National Entitlement Card to get a ticket in advance or on the bus. Advance tickets must be collected in person.

When you get on the bus, look for the electronic ticket machine by the door to the driver's compartment. Place your card on the machine with your photograph facing up and tell the driver your stop. The driver will help you if you need assistance. If there isn't a ticket machine like this, just show the driver your card and tell them your stop.

Remember you can only use your most recently issued National Entitlement Card on the bus. Any other cards will not work and you will not be allowed free bus travel.

If the electronic ticket machine did not recognise your card it may have expired or be damaged. If this is the case, please contact your Local Authority immediately to arrange a new card. You should allow at least two weeks to receive your card. If this will take longer, your local council will tell you about this when you apply.

If the card appears to be valid but does not work on the machine, the driver will give you the option to pay the full fare and keep your card or hand over your card in exchange for a seven day temporary pass. The temporary pass will be valid for free travel for you but the companion element will not be available. You should then contact your Local Authority immediately to request a new card. You should allow at least two weeks to receive your card. If this will take longer, your local council will tell you about this when you apply.

Eligibility

Over 60s eligibility.

To be eligible for the NEC, you must be:

  • Aged 60 or older
  • A resident of Scotland

Disabled people eligibility

If you're a resident in Scotland and meet one of the following criteria, you're entitled to free bus travel with the National Entitlement Card:

  • You receive a qualifying DWP benefit - Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, War Pension Constant Attendance Allowance, or the  higher  rate of the mobility component or the  higher or middle  rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance.
  • You receive a qualifying Social Security Scotland benefit - Pension Age Disability payment, Adult Disability Payment, or receive the higher rate of the mobility component or the higher or middle rate of the care component of Child Disability Payment.

When applying you will need to take along a copy of your benefit award letter from the DWP or Social Security Scotland confirming your eligibility.  The letter must be dated within the last 18 months and confirm the length of benefit entitlement. For details on getting your award letter, please contact the DWP or Social Security Scotland. 

  • You live in a care/residential home or hospital and are eligible for Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Adult Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment or the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment. In many cases a DWP or Social Security Scotland benefit may be suspended whilst someone is in care or hospital – in that case you can provide a letter from the hospital/care home confirming that you are eligible for one of the above benefits, you live there, and receive 24 hour care.
  • You are a Blue Badge holder . Take your Blue Badge, or your latest V11 vehicle licensing reminder from DVLA or DLA404 from the Department for Work and Pensions when you apply for your card. Please note that a valid Blue Badge issued outside Scotland, in the rest of the UK or by the authorities of another EU member state will be acceptable.
  • You are profoundly or severely deaf . Take along a recent letter from your Audiologist, Hospital Consultant or Registered Society for the Deaf when you apply. The letter must show that you have bilateral hearing loss greater than or equal to 70dBHLs averaged over 1, 2 and 4KHz. If you have been deaf since birth, a letter from your GP confirming this is fine too.
  • You have a sight impairment . If you are aged 16 and over you will need to provide a copy of  the Certificate of Vision (CVI) Scotland form.  As of 1 April 2018 the CVI Scotland form replaced the previous BP1 form.

If you are aged under 16 you should provide a letter from a VINCYP team member Visual Impairment Network for Children and Young People . You can also provide a letter from a health professional such as an ophthalmologist or paediatrician which states that you ‘meet the criteria for visual impairment as defined by VINCYP'. In addition, parents / carers of children and young people under 16 with a visual impairment may be able to use letters from other registered societies or voluntary sector organisations supporting people with sight loss (where they are happy to provide such a letter).

  • You have been told not to drive based on medical grounds . Take the DVLA confirmation letter as evidence when you apply showing that your licence has been revoked or your application has been refused on medical grounds. If you have epilepsy and been told not to drive because you have had a seizure in the last 12 months, you should use the NCT003 certificate. The NCT003 certificate is only valid where the applicant is 16yrs and over (the earliest date they can apply for a provisional licence). Collect the certificate from your Local Authority and ask your Hospital Consultant, GP or Epilepsy Specialist Nurse to sign. For other medical conditions where you have been told you would not be allowed to drive and if you were to apply for a licence, would be refused, you may be able to provide a recent letter from your GP or Hospital Consultant depending on your circumstances to confirm this. For further information, please check with your local authority.
  • You have a mental health condition that is recognised under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and has lasted for more than a year. You must need to travel to health or social care appointments as part of treatment activities, care or a rehabilitation programme. Your ability to travel must also be impaired. Please contact your Local Authority for advice on how and where to apply using the NCT002 form.
  • If you have a learning disability and you need to travel to see a Support Worker or get to appointments or activities you will need to get a NCT002a form. Read our guide on how to apply
  • Please note: The BASRiS form will replace the DS1500 for Scotland's new forms of Disability Assistance
  • Read Social Security Scotland’s guide on when to complete a BASRiS form
  • You have a progressive degenerative condition . Conditions such as Parkinson's Disease that severely impede your mobility may entitle you to free bus travel. Ask your hospital consultant or other specialist medical professional who is responsible for providing any treatment and support (such as your Specialist Nurse), to provide a letter confirming that your diagnosed health condition is considered ‘progressive degenerative' and that it severely impedes your mobility and ability to carry out day to day activities. Any letter from a medical professional must clearly confirm these qualifying criteria otherwise it cannot be accepted.
  • You have lost one or more limbs . If you have lost one or both legs, both arms or an arm and a leg you are entitled to free bus travel. Request a letter from your prosthetic clinic/centre, physiotherapist or rehabilitation centre for your application.
  • You are an injured veteran with mobility problems. Provide a Veterans UK or Ministry of Defence letter certifying award of lump sum payment within Tariff levels 1-8 under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme , or provide a letter from Veterans UK or Ministry of Defence certifying award of a lump sum payment due to a permanent and substantial disability causing inability to walk or considerable difficulty in walking.
  • You receive a War Pensioner Mobility Supplement. Please provide a letter from Veterans UK or Ministry of Defence confirming receipt of this benefit in your application.

The National Entitlement Card scheme also allows for free travel for one companion where required by an eligible disabled person of any age (including children under 5).

Companions can make travel much easier, helping you to get on and off buses, carrying shopping and communicating with the driver. You can stay free and mobile, while making full use of your NEC.

Companions can travel for free with all NEC holders that have the +1 logo on their card.

Your companion and journey can vary, but your companion can only travel for free when they are with you. You are not obliged to travel with a companion, but the entitlement is there for when you need it.

Please note that companions must be aged 5 or over .

Your companion is entitled to travel for free if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • You live in a care/residential home or hospital and are eligible for Attendance Allowance, the higher or lower rate of the daily living component of the Personal Independence Payment or the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance. In many cases DWP benefit may be suspended whilst someone is in care or hospital – in that case you can provide a letter from the hospital/care home confirming that you are eligible for one of the above benefits, live there and receive 24 hour care.
  • You live in a care/residential home or hospital and are eligible for the higher or middle rate of the care component of the Child Disability Payment or are eligible for the standard or enhanced rate of the daily living component of the Adult Disability payment or are eligible for the Pension Age Disability Payment. In many cases Social Security Scotland benefit may be suspended whilst someone is in care or hospital – in that case you can provide a letter from the hospital/care home confirming that you are eligible for one of the above benefits, you live there and receive 24 hour care.
  • You receive the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance
  • You receive the higher or lower rate of daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
  • You receive Attendance Allowance
  • You receive the Child Disability Payment – higher or middle rate of the care component.
  • You receive Pension Age Disability Payment
  • You receive Adult Disability Payment – standard or enhanced rate of the daily living component
  • You are severely sight impaired (blind)
  • You receive war pensions constant attendance allowance

If you receive one of the qualifying benefits you'll need a letter to confirm your eligibility. The letter must be dated within the last 18 months and confirm the length of benefit entitlement. For details on getting your letter, please contact the DWP or Social Security Scotland. If you live in a care or residential home or hospital and your qualifying benefit is suspended a letter from them is needed confirming that you are eligible for the benefit, you live there and receive 24 hour care.

If you are severely sight impaired (blind), please provide a copy of your registration certificate - CVI Scotland form if aged 16 or over.  If aged under 16, you must provide a letter from VINCYP/medical professional or other registered society or voluntary sector organisation stating that you have a severe sight impairment that has been confirmed by an ophthalmologist or paediatrician.

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

If you are a disabled veteran, you could qualify for free travel with a National Entitlement Card.

You will qualify if you have received a lump sum benefit under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme within tariff levels 1 - 8 (inclusive) and the Secretary of State certifies that you have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.

You will need to produce a certification letter from Veterans UK. You will also qualify under the same criteria if your injuries do not hinder your mobility but the injury can be cross referenced to the descriptors within the AFCS Injuries Table as detailed below.

Getting and using your card

When you get your card.

Please check that the photograph and personal details on your new card are correct. If any are not, or if this card is for someone who is no longer at the address, telephone the number on the back of the card to report this. If your new card replaces an existing card,  you need to start using it immediately and destroy any old cards you have as these will not work on the ticketing machines.

Using the card

Your card has been issued to give you free bus travel throughout Scotland under the concessionary travel scheme. In some areas your card may get you discounts on other modes of transport depending on where you live.  For information and advice on local non-bus concessions you should phone the number on the back of your card. It is possible to book in advance with your National Entitlement Card but you may incur a booking fee. Some bus operators may waive the fee, check before you book.

This card has been issued to you and should only be used by the eligible person named on the card. It is for your safekeeping and it should not be given to anyone else. Transport Scotland has a fraud policy and any person(s) found to be misusing any aspect of the scheme may have their entitlement to free bus travel withdrawn and incidents of misuse may also be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Cardholders also have a duty to report any changes of circumstances which may affect their entitlement, including changes of address, to the local authority. Check the back of your card for the right number.

You can use your card on any local or long-distance registered bus service throughout Scotland, excluding late night services where a premium fare is charged, tours or excursion services and group hire services.

Full details of the NEC terms and conditions

Travel using a National Entitlement Card is subject to the normal regulations and conditions of carriage of each transport operator. Your card gives you the same rights as a full-fare paying passenger.

Tickets for Concessionary Bus Travel

The National Concessionary Travel Scheme legislation does not require paper tickets to be issued to cardholders for concession journeys. The issuing of paper tickets to passengers is an operational decision at the discretion of the bus operator.

When a National Entitlement Card is placed on the ticket machine this will automatically record the boarding stage, to receive reimbursement for the journey the driver must accurately record the requested destination stage. Whilst this information forms the record of this journey, all concession claims undergo comprehensive audit compliance and analysis checks before any reimbursement is made.

Concerns of misuse of the Concessionary Travel Schemes should be reported to our 24-hour dedicated Freephone line 0800 328 5690. If you have any other questions about concessionary bus travel, please email us at [email protected]

Travel outwith Scotland

Your National Entitlement Card is not valid for travel outwith Scotland, however, you can use it on services to and from Carlisle and on services to and from Berwick-upon-Tweed from anywhere in Scotland. Please note that your card is not valid for travel within these towns.

Lost, stolen and damaged cards

If your card is lost, stolen or damaged you should contact your Local Authority to request a replacement. This applies to all cardholders whether your card is issued on grounds of age or disability.

If you change address, phone the number on the back of your card to let your card issuer know. However, if you move to another Local Authority to live you must also let the new authority know.

For any questions please contact the number printed on the back of your card.

Renewing and replacing cards

Contact your Local Authority or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) Travel Card Unit if:

  • your National Entitlement Card is lost, stolen or damaged
  • the card did not work when you used the ticket machine
  • you want to change your name, address or photo

Your National Entitlement Card may have an expiry date on the front. If you're 60 or over, your new card won’t have an expiry date on it and is valid for life, providing you continue to live in Scotland.

If you have a card on grounds of disability, it will have an expiry date - your local authority may be in touch 4-6 weeks before the card runs out. If you don't hear from them, or need assistance renewing your card, contact them directly. Please note that SPT no longer send out renewal forms to cardholders. You should provide an acceptable proof of eligibility document at least five weeks before the card expires to allow time for this to be processed and a new card to be issued.

If you apply to renew a card for Disabled Concessionary Travel before the expiry date, your previous card will stop working a few days after your new card is processed so please start using your new card as soon as it arrives and destroy your old card.

Concessionary travel contacts

Your local authority can provide further information on the eligibility criteria, offer advice on the application process and how to report lost or stolen cards and vouchers.

  • Contact telephone numbers and links to local authority websites

General enquiries

For general information on the concessionary travel scheme for those aged 60 and over and disabled people, or if there's anything you're not sure about, contact:

Concessionary Travel and Smart and Integrated Ticketing, Transport Scotland, George House, 2nd Floor, 36 North Hanover Street, Glasgow, G1 2AD.

Email: [email protected]   

Policy and legislation

Agreements with the bus industry.

Transport Scotland and the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) agreed terms in January 2019 setting budgets and reimbursement rates to operators under the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People for 2019-2020.

Building on agreements reached in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018, the new agreement ensures bus operators continue to be fairly reimbursed for carrying passengers under the scheme and safeguards free bus travel for older and eligible disabled people living in Scotland.

Similar to the 2013 agreement, changes were required to the legislation underpinning the scheme. Amended legislation detailing changes to the budget and reimbursement rates to operators  came into force on 1 April 2019.

Under 5s Extension to Disabled Companion Concessionary NECs

Transport Scotland has extended the existing Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme to disabled children under 5.

The Scottish Parliament passed legislation, on 3 March 2021, that extends the existing National Concessionary Travel Scheme (NCTS) to eligible disabled children under the age of five, allowing free bus travel for them and an accompanying companion.

This new entitlement is available from 1 April 2021.

2019 Agreement with the Bus Industry

  • Transport Scotland agreement letter to CPT
  • CPT agreement letter to Transport Scotland
  • The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Amendment Order 2019

Past agreements

2018 agreement with the bus industry.

  • The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Amendment Order 2018

2017 Agreement with the Bus Industry

  • (Draft) The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Amendment Order 2017

2015 Agreement with the Bus Industry

  • CPT agreement response to Transport Scotland
  • The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Amendment) Scotland Order 2015

2013 Agreement with the Bus Industry

  • CPT response to Transport Scotland
  • The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Amendment Order 2013 from 1 April 2013

Background to the scheme

In 2004, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) and the Scottish Executive committed to an unrestricted scheme providing free bus travel for people living in Scotland aged 60 and over, as well as eligible disabled people. The process is documented in the agreement letter from the Scottish Executive and the response from the CPT.

  • Scottish Executive agreement letter to CPT
  • Agreement response from CPT

In 2005, a public consultation exercise followed these initial agreements. The consultation asked questions that covered topics such as proposed eligibility criteria and technical aspects of the scheme.

Following on from the consultation and stakeholder discussions, the Scottish Executive prepared two Scottish Statutory Instruments that underpinned the terms of the scheme. These were approved by the Scottish Parliament and came into force from 1 April 2006.

  • SSI 2006/107 - The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Order 2006
  • SSI 2006/117 - The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Eligible Persons and Eligible Services) (Scotland) Order 2006

Changes to legislation for welfare reform

As part of the UK Government’s welfare benefit reforms Disability Living Allowance has been replaced by Personal Independence Payment. Receipt of certain components and rates of Disability Living Allowance are included in the eligibility criteria for the concessionary travel scheme.

To mitigate the effects of these reforms and ensure that eligible disabled people continue to have access to the scheme, the Scottish Government extended the scheme’s eligibility criteria to include recipients of Personal Independence Payment. The changes to the eligibility criteria are set out in legislation which came into force on 8 April 2013 and are described below:

  • The extension of the eligibility criteria to include Personal Independence Payment maintains access to concessionary travel for eligible disabled people in Scotland.
  • All recipients of Personal Independence Payment (or PIP) are eligible for concessionary travel and all recipients of the Daily Living component of PIP will be eligible to receive a companion card (enabling a companion to travel free with them).
  • If when reassessed for PIP you find you are not eligible for that benefit, you are able to continue using your concessionary travel card until its expiry date.

Passenger feedback

Following an Audit Scotland review in 2010, Transport Scotland commissioned research in 2012 to gather feedback and develop an understanding of the views of older and disabled people who are eligible and have applied to access the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel scheme.

The research project, by Research Resource and ODS Consulting, took place over two years (2013-2014), with telephone surveys of over 3,000 representative NEC holders in each year to collect feedback, alongside a series of focus groups.

Card holders were asked about:

  • their use of the NEC in daily travel
  • the value they placed on the NEC
  • their views on misuse or abuse of the scheme
  • the difference the scheme made to their lives

The findings, documented below, are being used to inform and improve the scheme.

  • In 2014, 99% of respondents stated that they were either very or fairly satisfied with the scheme overall. Satisfaction with bus travel generally was also high with over 9 in 10 respondents (93%) expressing satisfaction when travelling by bus.
  • There was also evidence that the Scheme is encouraging modal shift, with 41% stating that they use the car less. It is also encouraging some cardholders to walk more to and from bus stops.
  • 48% of respondents said they now make journeys that they would not previously have made.
  • For respondents with a Disabled or Visual Impairment card, the provision of independence was a key benefit. Younger participants in particular, felt that having the card gave them the opportunity to get out and about without relying on parents or carers for support.
  • The research confirmed the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme is greatly valued and works well for card holders for a number of reasons including financial savings, reducing isolation, engendering a sense of greater independence and increasing confidence in their own ability to travel.
  • The research highlighted how cardholders perceive the scheme as having improved their mental and physical well-being.

For full feedback, you can read the reports below.

The findings from the year one research can be found on the Customer Feedback Research - Year One Report and from year two on the Customer Feedback Research - Year Two Report .

Concessionary travel privacy policy

This Privacy Policy outlines how we use, store and share the personal information we hold about you in connection with our national concessionary travel schemes.

IMAGES

  1. Young Scot National Entitlement Card

    scottish entitlement card rail travel

  2. Young Scot National Entitlement Card

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  3. Scottish National Entitlement Card

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  4. Scottish Youth Railcard: Young Scot 50% Train Travel Discount

    scottish entitlement card rail travel

  5. Quirks of the Scottish National Entitlement Card (bus pass)

    scottish entitlement card rail travel

  6. Scottish National Entitlement Card

    scottish entitlement card rail travel

COMMENTS

  1. National Entitlement Card

    In Scotland, all people with a disability, and those aged 60 and over are entitled to a National Entitlement Card. Depending on people's circumstances, and the region in which they live, this Entitlement Card can give access to a concessionary fare, or free train travel. Concessionary travel passes and schemes are managed by local councils ...

  2. Use your National Entitlement Card on other transport modes

    Your National Entitlement Card (NEC) can now be used to store tickets for travel across multiple modes of transport and multiple transport operators. This means you can now travel on rail and subway using your NEC smartcard rather than needing a separate smartcard or ticket for each operator. Load tickets onto your smartcard

  3. A Guide to Concessionary Travel

    More than 100 million free bus journeys have been made since the Scottish Government introduced free bus travel for under 22s. Our concessionary travel schemes make getting about easier and cheaper for people in Scotland. And by making more sustainable travel choices easier to access, we can help to tackle the climate emergency as well.

  4. How to apply for or renew your National Entitlement Card

    How to apply for or renew your National Entitlement Card. You can use getyournec.scot to apply for, renew and request a replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC). If you cannot submit your request online, please select from the menu if you are enquiring about a 60+ or disabled NEC, or the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel NEC for those under 22.

  5. Railcards

    Young Scot National Entitlement Card. If you're aged 16, 17 or 18 and have a Young Scot National Entitlement Card you can save 1/3 OFF most rail fares and 50% OFF Weekly and Monthly tickets. Buy a Railcard and save at least 1/3 off train travel across the UK and also enjoy discounts on days out, attractions and more. Find out more at.

  6. Concessionary Travel Schemes

    National Entitlement Card (Scotland) The NEC can be used to access free, discounted and concessionary travel on public transport in Scotland for young people, disabled people (including blind and partially sighted people), and people aged 60 and over. Find out more about the National Entitlement Card, including where you can use it and how to ...

  7. Home

    The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is Scotland's National Smartcard, offering access to many public services across the country. You may recognise or know the NEC as your bus pass, library card or Young Scot card, however this one card may be able to grant you access to multiple other services as well. Public services are continually ...

  8. Public transport, bus passes and discounts

    Young Scot card Apply for a Young Scot National Entitlement Card if you're 11 to 25 and living in Scotland. Apply for an under 22s bus pass How to apply for an under 22s bus pass, which allows young people to travel for free on the bus in Scotland Discounted train travel

  9. Scottish National Entitlement Card

    The Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC) is a Scotland-wide smart card scheme run by Scottish Local Authorities on behalf of the Scottish Government.It is predominantly operated as a concessionary travel pass, but can also act as Proof of Age for young people (Young Scot NEC) and give access to civic services such as libraries and leisure centres depending on the local authority.

  10. National Services

    National Services. National Services The National Entitlement Card can be used to access a variety of services across Scotland. To find out more about what services the NEC is able to provide locally visit the Local Services page, or to find out all the services your NEC may allow you to access answer a few short questions on the Your NEC page.

  11. National Entitlement Card (for 60+ and disabled)

    The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is ITSO enabled and available for you if you are over 60 years old or are eligible due to a disability. The NEC is your concessionary travel pass, more commonly known as the free bus pass, which gives you free travel on Scotland's public transport bus network. The NEC may also provide access to free or ...

  12. 60+ Discounted Local Rail Travel

    NATIONALENTITLEMENTCARD. You may be able to use your NEC to receive discounts when travelling by rail or subway within the former Strathclyde Region. To find out more about this please visit the Transport Scotland website or the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport website.

  13. Other concessionary travel and discounts

    The Scottish National Blind Persons' Scheme is also delivered on the National Entitlement Card (NEC). This is a voluntary arrangement between local councils, COSLA and participating transport operators and provides free rail and ferry travel throughout Scotland for cardholders who have the eye symbol on their NEC indicating they have a card due to a visual impairment.

  14. Frequently Asked Questions

    The National Concessionary scheme provides free bus travel for eligible cardholders. In some areas your National Entitlement smartcard may get you discounts on other modes of transport depending on where you live, although this is subject to operator's commercial arrangements. You can find out more by phoning the number on the back of your card.

  15. Young Scot National Entitlement Card

    Apply for a new or replacement Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC). Apply for a new or replacement Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC). ... is free of charge to 11 to 26-year-olds living in Scotland. You can use your Young Scot NEC for… free bus travel for under 22s, 1,000s of discounts at retailers and venues across Scotland ...

  16. Save Money on Travel

    Get a 1/3 off rail travel if you're 16, 17 or 18 years old (or up to 25 years old and a full time volunteer) or save 50% on weekly or monthly Season Tickets. Please ensure you have your Young Scot NEC with you when you travel. You cannot buy tickets for anyone else using your Young Scot NEC.

  17. getyournec.scot

    Do you want to enjoy free travel, local discounts and benefits with one card? If you are a Scottish resident, you can apply for a National Entitlement Card online at getyournec.scot. Find out how to get your card, renew or replace it, and access various services and offers.

  18. Young Scot National Entitlement Card

    1/3 OFF rail fares with the Young Scot National Entitlement Card. If you're aged 16, 17 or 18 (or up to 25 years old and a full-time volunteer), and have a Young Scot National Entitlement Card, you can get fantastic discounts on your train travel in Scotland. This includes 1/3 off most rail fares and 50% off weekly and monthly tickets.

  19. Discounted rail travel

    The Veterans Railcard, initially priced at £21, allows holders to travel across the country at reduced fares. To encourage uptake, the Scottish Government is also funding a further discount scheme. Residents of Scotland can register between now and 31 March 2021 to be eligible for a £6 rail voucher - making the initial cost just £15.

  20. Young Scot card

    The Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC) is available free of charge to everyone aged 11 to 25 living in Scotland. You can use it to: get exclusive rewards and discounts. travel. prove your age. Visit the Young Scot website for information on: how to apply for a Young Scot card. how to update your photo or details.

  21. Apply Now

    How to Apply. Applications for new, replacement and renewal National Entitlement Cards are accepted across Scotland, however the services and application routes available at each council will vary. If you are aged 5-21 and are wanting to access the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme, information about the Scheme including how to apply can be ...

  22. Eligibility and Conditions for the 60+ or Disabled Traveller

    Overview. If you are over 60 or have a disability, you could be eligible for free bus travel to get around Scotland and your local area. You can access this via the National Entitlement Card, your pass to free bus travel in Scotland. The National Entitlement Card scheme also allows for free travel for companions where required by eligible ...

  23. Disabled Free Rail Travel

    The Scottish National Blind Persons Scheme is also delivered on the NEC. This is a voluntary arrangement between local authorities, COSLA and participating transport operators and provides free rail travel throughout Scotland for cardholders who have the eye symbol on their NEC indicating they have a card due to a visual impairment.