Using your disabled person's bus pass

You can only use your current bus pass. If you try to use an old or cancelled bus pass, it will not work and you’ll have to pay the bus fare.

Buses

You can use your free bus pass on most bus services in Scotland.

There are a few that are not included, such as:

• premium fare services
• sightseeing buses
• cross-border services
• some airport transfer services

Check with your bus operator if you're not sure.

You can use your bus pass to get a ticket on the bus or in advance. If you book advance tickets, you may need to collect them in person.

You must take your bus pass with you even if you already have your ticket.

When you get on the bus, place your bus pass on the electronic ticket machine with your photo facing up. If there’s no electronic ticket machine, show your bus pass to the driver.

Tell the driver your stop. The driver will help you if you need it.

Trams

You can travel free on Edinburgh trams if the City of Edinburgh Council issued your bus pass.

You cannot use bus passes issued by other councils on trams, unless you are blind or sight impaired.

Find out more about travelling by tram on the Transport for Edinburgh website.

Ferries

You may be able to get free ferry travel with your bus pass depending where you live.

Check if you can get free ferry vouchers.

If you're blind or sight impaired

If you're registered blind or sight impared and have the eye symbol on your bus pass, you can also get:

• free standard class rail travel across Scotland
• free standard class rail travel on journeys to and from Berwick-upon-Tweed and Carlisle – this does not include travel within these towns
• free Edinburgh tram travel
• concessions on ferry journeys throughout Scotland

If your bus pass has the 'eye +1' symbol, a companion can travel with you for free on all ScotRail services within Scotland. This is part of a 12-month trial running from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Your companion may also be entitled to free or discounted travel on other transport. Contact the service operator for more information.

If your bus pass stops working

If your bus pass seems to be valid but stops working on the ticket machine, the driver will ask if you want to:

• pay the fare and keep your bus pass
• hand it over in exchange for a 7 day pass

The 7 day pass provides free travel for you but not for a companion.

If your bus pass stops working, apply for a new one straight away.