Scotland-wide free bus travel allows eligible disabled people to travel free on bus services within Scotland without any peak-time restrictions. The qualifying criteria include the following:

• Receipt of the higher rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
• Receipt of the middle or higher rate of the Care Component of Disability Living Allowance
• Receipt of the higher or middle rate of the Care Component of Scottish Child Disability Payment
• Receipt of the higher rate of the Mobility Component of Scottish Child Disability Payment
• Receipt of the Scottish Adult Disability Payment
• Receipt of Attendance Allowance
• Receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PiP)
• Receipt of War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
• Holding a current Disabled Person's Parking Badge (Blue Badge)
• Being registered blind or partially sighted
• Being profoundly or severely deaf
• Having mental health issues or those who have been (or would be) refused a driving licence on medical grounds (other than on the grounds of drug or alcohol misuse).

Full details of eligibility criteria are available from Transport Scotland.

To apply for a National Entitlement Card online, please go to getyournec.scot.

Full application details can be found on the website, including what documents you will need to use the online application service.

If you are unable to complete your application online you can do it in person at the library.

You must make an appointment by phone before visiting the library to apply for your bus pass. Please do not visit the library without an appointment.  

Library staff cannot assess your eligibility for a bus pass and can only process your application if you provide the correct documents. Staff will advise you on what to bring when you make your appointment. See the FAQs below for more information. 

Appointments are available at Falkirk and Grangemouth Libraries on the following days. Please do not visit the library without an appointment. 

Email: You can also email BusPassFalkirk@falkirk.gov.uk with questions, but we cannot make appointments in this way. Please note that Libraries can only process passes at an in-person appointment.  

From 01 April 2025, a 12 month pilot is being introduced which will enable those who have a Sight Impaired National Entitlement Card (NEC) with the eye+1 symbol to bring a companion with them at no cost when travelling together on trains within Scotland on ScotRail services.

The blind cardholder can be accompanied by 1 companion who will be granted free travel with the cardholder.

1. What supporting information will I need?
2. How long will it take to process my application?
3. Is there a charge to get my bus pass?
4. Will I be eligible for a companion concession?
5. How long is my bus pass valid for?
6. Where can I use my bus pass?
7. Can I use my bus pass on sightseeing tours and trips?
8. I have lost my bus pass, how do I get a replacement?
9. My bus pass does not scan on the bus – what should I do?

You will need proof of address (for example, a Council Tax bill, bank statement etc).

You will also need:

• A copy of your award letter if you receive a qualifying benefit (for example – Scottish Adult Disability Payment, Scottish Child Disability Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, War Pensioners Mobility Supplement, Personal Independence Payment). This must be dated within the previous 12 months.
• A note of your registration number if you are registered blind or partially sighted.
• A copy of your award letter from the Ministry of Defence if you receive an award under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
• A fully completed "Certificate of Eligibility", signed by an authorised signatory if you are applying on mental health grounds. Please note that the certificate cannot be signed by your doctor.
• A note of your Blue Badge serial number if you are applying because you hold a valid Blue Badge.
• A fully completed NCT003 form if you are applying because you are epileptic. This must be signed by a hospital consultant, epilepsy nurse or doctor.

Once we have taken your photograph and confirmed your supporting information, your bus pass will be posted to you in approximately 7-10 days.

No, your bus pass is free.

If your mobility needs require you to be accompanied when travelling, you can apply for a companion concession. This is marked with a +1 next the orange C on the bus pass.

To be eligible for a companion concession, you must be:

• Receiving (or living in a care/residential home and eligible for) the middle or higher rate of the Care Component of Scottish Child Disability Payment / Disability Living Allowance or Standard or Enhanced Rate of the Daily Living Component of the Scottish Adult Disability Payment / Personal Independence Payment.
• Receiving War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance.
• Registered as blind. Please note that being registered as partially sighted does not qualify for a companion concession.

Your bus pass will usually be valid for 3 years. If you receive Scottish Adult Disability Payment, Scottish Child Disability Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment, your bus pass will be issued at the end of your current award. For example, if your Scottish Adult Disability Payment is for 2 years, your bus pass will be issued for 2 years.

You can use your bus pass on registered bus services and long distance bus services in Scotland. You can also travel to Berwick-Upon-Tweed and Carlisle but must pay the correct fare to travel around when you get there.

No, you cannot use your bus pass on sightseeing tours, trips or other similar services.

You can request a replacement by contacting us on 01324 506070. A replacement bus pass will be posted to you in approximately 7-10 days. You will not have to pay for your replacement bus pass, but you will have to pay to travel until your new bus pass arrives.

If your bus pass is valid but does not scan on the bus, the bus driver will issue a temporary pass to allow you to travel for one week. You will need to request a replacement bus pass by telephoning 01324 506070.