This means residents of West Dorset can use their bus pass at any time of the day and on any day of the week, and not just between 9.30am - 11pm. However this is limited to journeys that start within the West Dorset area.

What buses can I use my bus pass on?

You can use your bus pass on any local bus service. This does not usually include coach journeys (for example National Express), private coach or bus tours. It cannot be used on the Dorchester park and ride scheme either. If you are in doubt whether you are entitled to free travel on a particular route, you will need to contact the service operator directly. West Dorset District Council will not have details of eligible services in other parts of the country.

If I visit an area that offers additional services, will I be entitled to them?

Probably not. As a general rule, local authorities will only provide additional services for their own residents. Some authorities, however, may provide them - check with the relevant authority in the area to which you intend to travel. London Authorities pay for additional local travel concessions for holders of the London Freedom Pass. West Dorset bus pass holders will be eligible to travel on London buses but not on tubes or trains.

How to apply for a bus pass

If you have not yet applied for an England-wide bus pass, or have only just become eligible, you will need to apply to the West Dorset District Council office. As part of the application you'll need to provide proof of either your age or disability, and that you live permanently in the West Dorset area. You will also need to supply a passport size and quality full face photograph of yourself. 

To apply for a pass please complete the  Dorset Concessionary Travel Application Form (pdf, 340kb) (opens in a new window) and return it to West Dorset District Council offices.

Do I have to pay for my pass?

Bus passes are issued free of charge to eligible people. However, as the new passes are expensive to produce and are produced to a national standard by an external company, we will make a £7 charge where passes are lost and a replacement is requested. If the pass has been stolen and a crime number is provided to the council, then a replacement will be issued free of charge.

When will my pass expire?

Normally all passes issued by West Dorset will be valid for five years from the date of issue. However, some cards may have a shorter expiry date to coincide with a known disability review date.

• Name: Concessionary Travel (West Dorset)
  Email: custservices@westdorset-dc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 251010
  Fax: 01305 251481
  Full details for Concessionary Travel (West Dorset)