Scotland-wide free bus travel allows people aged 60 or over free travel on bus services within Scotland without any peak-time restrictions.

Further information can be found at the Transport Scotland website.

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 apply in person at one of the libraries listed below.

This line operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10am - 12pm. 

Please note: appointments and bus pass queries cannot be handled outwith these hours.

Appointments are available at Denny Library, Falkirk Library and Grangemouth Library on the following days.

Please note:

• Staff processing your application cannot assess your eligibility for a bus pass.
• Staff can only proceed if you provide the correct documents.
• Staff will advise you what to bring when you make your appointment.
• FAQs below offer more information. 

You can also email BusPassFalkirk@falkirk.gov.uk with questions, but we cannot make appointments in this way or process applications.

Please note that Libraries can only process passes at an in-person appointment. Please do not send documentation to this address. Any unsolicited documents will be deleted.

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 are the criteria for free bus travel?
2. What supporting information will I need?
3. How long will it take to process my application?
4. Is there a charge to get my bus pass?
5. I am not 60 yet; can I apply before my birthday?
6. How long is my bus pas valid for?
7. Where can I use my bus pass?
8. Can I use my bus pass on sightseeing tours and trips?
9. I have lost my bus pass, how do I get a replacement?
10. My bus pass does not scan on the bus – what should I do?

If you are aged 60 and over and live in Scotland, you will qualify for the Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel Scheme. Please note that we can only accept applications from permanent residents of the Falkirk Council area.

You will need proof of address (for example, a Council Tax bill, bank statement etc) and proof that you are aged 60 and over (for example, a driving licence, birth certificate – only valid if your name has not changed since birth).

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

A bus pass is free.

You can apply for your bus pass two weeks before your 60th birthday.

Your bus pass will be valid for up to 20 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 contacting us on 01324 506070.