In April 2006, Transport Scotland (the Scottish Executive’s Transport Agency) introduced a new Scotland-wide free bus travel for older and disabled people. This scheme replaces the concessionary travel scheme that was previously operated by Falkirk Council.
Successful applicants for the new Scotland-wide scheme are issued with an Entitlement Card that entitles them to free bus travel on scheduled bus services all over Scotland.
In addition, Falkirk Council residents can use the Entitlement Card for half-fare rail travel Monday-Friday between stations in the Falkirk area (Camelon, Falkirk Grahamston, Falkirk High, Larbert and Polmont), and on Saturdays and Sundays between stations in the Falkirk area to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth and intermediate stations.
Eligibility for Scotland-wide free bus travel
Anyone who is 60 years of age or over and is permanently resident in Scotland will qualify for the Entitlement Card.
Download and print the application form for those over 60 here.|
People with disabilities
You may also qualify for an Entitlement Card if you are over five years of age and you meet one of the following criteria:
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mobility or walking difficulties
i.e. you have Disability Living Allowance (mobility component) higher rate; Disability Living Allowance (care component) middle or higher rate; Attendance Allowance; War Pensioners Mobility Supplement or possession of a valid Disabled Persons’ Parking Card (Blue Badge).
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profoundly or severely deaf
You will need to provide a written report from an audiologist.
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Driving Licence refused or revoked on medical grounds
You will need to provide one of the following: DVLA letters D206, D235, D220 of NS57 (stating failure of eyesight standard to drive or revoking of Driving licence on medical grounds) or GP confirmation that although under the legal age to drive, a Driving Licence would be refused on grounds of physical fitness.
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mental disorder
You should ask a qualified professional to complete the NCT002 Mental Disorder Certificate on page 4 of the application form.
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terminal illness or progressively degenerative disorder
You will need to provide a DS1500 report or hospice admittance letter confirming the condition.
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loss of one or both lower limbs; or loss of both upper limbs; or loss of one lower and one upper limb
You will need to provide written confirmation from a prosthetics clinic, physiotherapist or rehabilitation centre.
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visual impairment
You will need to provide a blind or partially sighted registration card/certificate from your local authority.
Download and print the application form for people with disabilities here.|
Entitlement Card with free companion travel
If you already qualify for an Entitlement Card under the criteria listed above, you may also be eligible for a card which allows a companion to travel with you free of charge.
Complete the application form for people with disabilities|.
The eligibility criteria for this are as follows:
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receipt of Disability Living Allowance (care component) at the middle or higher rate
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receipt of Attendance Allowance
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registered blind
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living in a residential care home and eligible for Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (care component) at the middle or higher rate
Both application forms (over 60| and people with disabilities|) are also available at One Stop Shops| or at Abbotsford House, Davids Loan, Falkirk.
For further information on the Entitlement Card issued by Falkirk Council, please contact the Concessionary Unit using the contact details shown.
The Going Places| booklet is a guide to all accessible transport for disabled people in the Falkirk Council area.
Falkirk Council has also compiled a guide to accessible facilities in the Falkirk area|, which can be downloaded in PDF format from this page.