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Concessionary fares

We operate a concessionary travel scheme to assist qualifying residents with their travel costs and to promote the use of public transport. The scheme offers a choice of travel tokens or a free off-peak bus pass. You can also opt out of the scheme and have 10 free days of parking on Southsea seafront.

The scheme is available to anyone:

• aged 60 and over
• aged over 5 who is registered disabled
• who receives Disability Living Allowance that includes a mobility payment
• who has a medical condition that prevents them from driving, please contact us for more information

New applicants may apply in person, as soon as they become eligible by one of the above options. They will then receive a proportion of the full year’s amount depending on their date of entry into the scheme. Applicants only receive one issue per year.

The main issue of tokens and passes takes place each April at various locations throughout the city. For details of how you can apply please call us.

Residents who are registered blind are eligible for a free bus pass, please call 023 9283 4619 for more information.

Persons under 16 seeking assistance with school transport can telephone 023 9284 1340 for more information.

Travel tokens

Travel tokens are issued free and must not be exchanged for cash from any source. The tokens are used instead of money as payment for your travel.

Tokens can be used at any time on the following services:

• Buses - anywhere in and around the Portsmouth area, as full or part payment of the normal fare. Change will be given as coins or tokens, but it would be helpful to the driver if the exact fare is given.
• Taxis - in Portsmouth. When using a taxi you should check that the tokens will be accepted, as not all taxis take part in this scheme.
• Ferries, including the hovercraft - to Hayling Island, the Isle of Wight and Gosport.
• Rail - for the purchase of rail tickets or rail travel cards.
• Dial-a-Ride - in Portsmouth. If you are unable to use the normal bus service you can use your tokens on the Dial-a-Ride service. If you wish to use this service please telephone 023 9287 7146.

Free off-peak bus pass

This is issued free of charge and allows you unlimited free bus travel after 9.30am to 11.00pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays. It can be used on all local buses throughout the UK. You can apply for one if you call into the Civic Offices with proof of your age/disability and your address along with a passport photograph.

• FirstBus 023 9286 3353
• Stagecoach 0845 121 0190

How to contact us

If you have any queries, please call the Concessionary Fare Office help line on 023 9283 4445. You can also visit us, we are on the ground floor of the Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth.

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