This means residents of North Dorset can use their bus pass at any time of the day and on any day of the week however this is limited to journeys that start within the North Dorset or the West Dorset area.

Am I eligible for a Concessionary Bus Pass?

Bus passes are issued free of charge to eligibile 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.

Companion Travel

Disabled residents of North Dorset who are entitled to a free bus pass and who cannot travel on buses unaccompanied, are offered a companion pass. If you are granted this element, companions are able to travel for free on any bus journey starting in rural Dorset or in the Salisbury District but not on journeys starting in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole.

How to apply for a Bus Pass

If you have not yet applied for a bus pass, or have only just become eligible, you will need to apply to the North 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 North 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 North Dorset District Council offices.

What buses can I use my bus pass on?

You can use your bus pass on any local bus service. This does not include coach journeys, private coach or bus tours.  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. North Dorset District Council will not have details of eligible services in other parts of the country.

Can I use my bus pass on Nordcat? 

You can use your new bus pass on Nordcat.  Nordcat is a charitable organisation which provides a door-to-door minibus service in the North Dorset area primarily for the elderly and disabled. 

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. North Dorset bus pass holders will be eligible to travel on London buses but not on tubes or trains.

• Customer Services Manager
  Name: Lisa Wickham
  Email: lwickham@north-dorset.gov.uk
  Tel: 01258 484186 Ext. 2186
  Fax: 01258 484186
  Mobile: 07967 915119
  Full details for Lisa Wickham