Merseytravel offers free travel on all buses, trains and Mersey Ferries river crossings for anyone aged 60 or over who lives in Merseyside region
If you live in Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens or Wirral:
Once you turn 60, you can apply for a Merseytravel Over 60s travel pass. This pass gives you free travel on local buses and trains across Merseyside, and also covers cross-river commuter trips on the Mersey Ferries.
When you reach State Pension Age:
You’ll also be eligible for the English National Concessionary Travel Pass. This lets you travel for free on local buses anywhere in England.
To check when you’ll reach State Pension Age, visit the Government’s website.
Please note if your national concessionary pass is from outside of the Merseyside area it is only valid on buses (not trains or Mersey Ferries) in the Merseyside region
If you live in Halton, you won’t be able to get a Merseytravel pass. Instead, you’ll need to apply directly to your local council for a bus pass.
These images are generated digitally; therefore, they may not accurately reflect a true likeness and are for illustrative purposes only.
Where can I use it?
Merseytravel Over 60s Pass
You can use this pass:
- On local buses within the Merseyside area.
- On Merseyrail trains (City, Wirral and Northern lines) within Merseyside, and as far as Chester, Ellesmere Port and Ormskirk. Please note: passes can be used on all trains operating on the City Line within the Merseyside area.
- On Mersey Ferries for direct river crossings (but not for River Explorer or Special Cruises).
You can’t use it:
- On coach trips, special bus services, or excursions.
- On National Express or Merseylink services.
- On train routes outside the Merseyrail network, like Chester to Liverpool via Runcorn, or Chester to Newton-le-Willows via Runcorn East.
English National Concessionary Travel Pass
You can use this pass:
- On most buses in Merseyside.
- On Merseyrail trains (City, Wirral and Northern lines) within Merseyside, and as far as Chester, Ellesmere Port and Ormskirk. Please note: passes can be used on all trains operating on the City Line within the Merseyside area.
- On Mersey Ferries for direct river crossings (but not for River Explorer or Special Cruises).
- On local bus services anywhere in England.
You can’t use it:
- On coach trips, special bus services, or excursions.
- On National Express or Merseylink services.
- On train routes outside the Merseyrail network, like Chester to Liverpool via Runcorn, or Chester to Newton-le-Willows via Runcorn East.
When can I use it?
Merseytravel Over 60s Pass
You can use your pass:
- On buses, trains, and Mersey Ferries (for direct river crossings only) within Merseyside.
- All day on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.
- Monday to Friday, except for journeys that start between 6:30am and 9:30am.
English National Concessionary Travel Pass
You can use your pass:
In Merseyside:
- On buses, trains, and Mersey Ferries (direct river crossings only).
- All day on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.
- Monday to Friday, except for journeys that start between 6:30am and 9:30am.
Anywhere else in England:
- On local buses only (not trains or Mersey Ferries).
- All day on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.
- Monday to Friday, between 9:30am and 11:00pm.
How do I use it?
Using your travel pass is easy!
Just tap it on the card reader every time you travel - whether you're getting on a bus, going through a rail gate, or using a platform validator.
If there’s no gate or validator at the station, simply show your pass to a member of staff if they ask.
Want to see how it works?
Watch our short video to learn how to use your travel pass on public transport across the Liverpool City Region.
Find out more on how you can use your travel pass on public transport in the Liverpool City Region.
When can I apply?
Merseytravel Over 60s Pass
You can apply for this pass up to seven days before your 60th birthday.
However, we’ll only send it to you once you turn 60.
English National Concessionary Travel Pass
You can apply up to seven days before you reach State Pension Age.
If you already have a Merseytravel Over 60s Pass, we’ll send your National Pass automatically—you don’t need to apply again.
Just make sure we have your current address so it gets to the right place!
How do I apply?
You can apply at any Merseytravel Centre. Passes can only be printed at Queen Square Bus Station, Birkenhead Bus Station and Bootle Bus Station.
Please Note: we don't accept applications by post.
There’s a £10 fee for your first Over 60s Travel Pass.
What you will need to bring with you:
- A completed application form. (see the link below)
- A passport-style colour photo of yourself, taken in the last 12 months. (Write your name and date of birth clearly on the back.)
- Proof of your age – like a birth certificate, driving licence, or passport.
- Proof that you live in Merseyside – such as a recent council tax bill, utility bill, bank statement, tenancy agreement, or a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions.
- The £10 fee (unless you qualify for a fee waiver – see below).
You won't need to pay the £10 if you recieve any of these benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
Application Form
Click the button below to download the application form.
Then just:
- Print it out
- Fill it in
- Take it to your nearest Merseytravel Centre
A member of the team will check your form and documents, and help process your application.
Please Note: If you don't have access to a printer, you can pick up a copy of the application form by visiting your nearest Merseytravel Centre.
Why must I now pay £10 for an Over 60s Travel Pass?
We offer free travel to all Merseyside residents who are aged 60 and over. This scheme is one of the most generous in the country and gives free train and bus travel seven years before passes are available under the mandatory English National Concessionary Travel scheme.
In the past we have not charged for one of these passes, but from 1st April 2022 there will be a one-off charge of £10 for the concessionary travel pass. However, if you receive Universal Credit you will not have to pay the fee.
I have changed my address
You can post in a copy of proof of your new address or email us with proof of your new address or visit one of our Merseytravel Centres with a copy of your new address. We will accept one of the following: a recent council tax bill, gas, electricity or water bill, driving licence, bank or building society statement, official tenancy agreement or letter from the Department for Work and Pensions. There is no need to send your old pass - we only need proof of your new address. Please send photocopies, not the original documents. Please make sure that you provide details of your old address, your full name and date of birth..
I have changed my name
If you change your name you must take your pass and proof of your new name to a Merseytravel Centre. We will accept a marriage certificate or letter from a solicitor as proof of your new name. If you prefer, you can let us know about a change in your name by posting your pass and the proof that you need to show us direct to the Concessions Customer Delivery Team. Please send photocopies, not the original documents. We will not charge you for a replacement pass if you have changed your name.
I have lost my pass/it has been stolen.
Let us know immediately by calling us on 0300 131 2881* or visiting one of our Merseytravel Centres. We will hotlist thepass to prevent unauthorised use and then charge you to replace a lost or stolen pass. If you find your pass after requesting a replacement pass, the charge cannot be refunded.
Can I still travel if I lose my pass and I am waiting for a replacement?
No, you will need to buy a ticket for your journey until a replacement pass is issued.
Can I travel if I forget my pass?
No, you will need to buy a ticket for your journey.
My pass is damaged
Let us know immediately by calling us on 0300 131 2881* or visiting one of our Merseytravel Centres. We will charge you to replace a damaged pass.
My pass does not scan on buses within Merseyside
You must show your pass to the bus driver, or member of staff at the rail station or ferry terminal. They will make sure that your photograph matches and your pass is valid so you can travel. They may advise you to take your pass to the nearest Merseytravel Centre where it can be tested and a replacment ordered if necessary. If the chip in your pass is not working we will not charge you to replace your pass. The replacement pass will be sent to you by post.
Do I need to change my Local 60 + Travel Pass to the new design?
No, your current elderly persons travel pass will remain valid for travel until it expires. Once you become eligible for your English National Concessionary Travel Pass we will automatically send your card to you by post. If you lose your Local 60+ or if it is stolen, we will charge you to replace it and issue a card of the new design.
What is a card reader?
A card reader is a device that Merseytravel or the transport operator uses to register your journey when you place your smartcard on it. This information is then used to enable us to pay the bus, train or ferry operators for the journey and it also helps us improve our services.
How will my personal data be used and stored?
Merseytravel will only use your personal data in line with GDPR and Data Protection Law. For full details on how we manage your personal data please refer to our Privacy Notice
* Calls to this number are charged at the same rate as calling a local 0151 number. Calls should also count towards any inclusive or free minutes as provided by most telephone and mobile providers. If unsure, we recommend that you check with your service provider to understand what is included with your inclusive package.
Please make sure you have read and understood the terms and conditions.
Need further support?
Access our Help & Suppprt pages for answers to some frequently asked questions or find out how to get in touch with our Customer Services team.
