Older residents and those with a disability can take advantage of free travel on local buses throughout Hampshire and the rest of England. In some cases travel is within certain specified times.
You will need to meet criteria on age or disability. You may also be entitled to a “companion pass” if your disabilities mean that you are unable to travel unaccompanied.
Read more about bus passes and travel vouchers if you live in the Hampshire County Council area or telephone 0300 555 1376 for information. You may also be able to apply for a disabled bus pass (This page also has easy read information and application form for people with learning disabilities).
If you are aged 60 or over, you are eligible for a Senior Railcard which entitles you to a third off the price of most first class and standard rail fares. The card costs £30 and is valid for one year. You can buy a Senior Railcard online, at a staffed station ticket office or by calling 0345 3000 250. You will need a valid passport or UK driving licence in order to prove you are eligible.
A Disabled Person's Railcard costs £20 for one year. It entitles you to a third off the price of most first class and standard rail fares and if you are accompanied by another adult, they can also travel at the same discounted fare. Application forms are available online and from rail stations. Alternatively, telephone the Disabled Person’s Railcard Helpline on 0345 605 0525 or Textphone 0345 601 0132.
National Express offer a Senior coachcard for over 60s and a Disabled coachcard for those who are registered disabled at a cost of £15.00 plus £3.00 p&p per year. The concessionary passes entitle the traveller to 1/3 off your travel on most National Express coach services.
Please give at least 24 hours notice if you travel with a guide dog.
Check our Benefits page to make sure that you, or the person you are caring for, are getting all the benefits you are entitled to, including possible council tax discounts.
See also our Financial support for carers information.
Hampshire Libraries offer concession memberships to help people with access requirements, care-leavers or sanctuary seekers, access the library services by removing reservation charges and fees for overdue items.
Sunflower lanyard - assistance for people with hidden disabilities
A sunflower lanyard was introduced at major UK airports in 2018 in order to allow passengers with hidden disabilities to indicate discreetly to staff that they may need additional support or help. The use of the lanyard has now spread and is now available from a number of transport providers. It is also available in supermarkets such as Sainsbury's and Tesco.
See further information and advice in our Equipment and Adaptations section.
There is no national scheme for disability registration.
Organisations or outlets offering discounts and concessions to disabled people will usually accept a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions detailing a disability-related benefit, your Blue Badge* or your Disabled Bus Pass as proof of disability.
If you would like something simpler, which you can keep on you, you might consider applying for an Access Card. This costs £15 and is valid for 3 years. You will need to supply proof of your disability.
*Blue Badges are now available to people with hidden disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Condition and Mental health conditions (eligibility criteria apply).