Merseytravel offers free travel on all buses, trains and Mersey Ferries river crossings for anyone aged 60 or over who lives in Merseyside.
When you reach your 60th birthday you can apply for a Merseytravel Over 60s travel pass. Once you reach State Pension Age you will be given your English National Concessionary Travel Pass which also allows you to travel on local bus services anywhere in England.
You can find out when you reach your State Pension Age on the Government website.
Where can I use it?
Merseytravel Over 60s pass - on local buses within the Merseyside boundary, on the Merseyrail network (City, Wirral and Northern lines within Merseyside and as far as Chester, Ellesmere Port and Ormskirk) and on the Mersey Ferries for single river crossings (not River Explorer or Special Cruises). You cannot use the pass on coach excursions, special bus services, excursions, National Express or Merseylink.
English National Concessionary Travel Pass issued to Merseyside residents - on most buses in Merseyside, on the Merseyrail network as far as Chester, Ellesmere Port and Ormskirk and on the Mersey Ferries for single river crossings (not River Explorer or Special Cruises) plus local bus services anywhere in England. You cannot use the pass on coach excursions, special bus services, excursions, National Express or Merseylink.
When can I use it?
Merseytravel Over 60s pass - All day on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Any time Monday to Friday, except for journeys which start between 6.30am and 9.30am.
English National Concessionary Travel Pass issued to Merseyside residents - On buses trains and Mersey Ferries in Merseyside - any time Monday to Friday, except for journeys which start between 6.30am and 9.30am and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. On buses in England - 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday and anytime Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.
How do I use it?
You will need to place your pass on the card reader on board the bus, at the rail gate or the platform validator every time you make a journey. If you do not pass through a rail gate or there isn't a platform validator on your train journey you must show it to a member of staff if asked.
When can I apply?
You can apply up to seven days before your 60th birthday for your Over 60s pass but we will not send it to you until you are 60.
You can apply for your English National Concessionary Travel Pass up to seven days before you reach State Pension Age. If you already have a Merseytravel Over 60s pass your National Pass will automatically be sent out to you. Please make sure you have told us if you have changed address.
How do I apply?
You can apply at a Merseytravel Centre. There is a £10 charge for your first Over 60s Travel Pass. You must complete the application form and take it, together with your supporting evidence and the £10 fee to your nearest Merseytravel Centre.
What do I need to take or send?
• A completed application form.
• A suitable passport-sized colour photograph of yourself, which must have been taken within the last 12 months (please make sure you write your name and date of birth clearly on the back of your photograph).
· Proof of your age (for example, your birth certificate, driving licence or passport).
• Proof that your address is in Merseyside (for example, 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).
Find out where your nearest Travel Centre is.
If you receive Universal credit, you will not be charged the fee and you can apply online.
What happens next?
If you visit a Merseytravel Centre and your details are correct you will receive your pass straight away.
If you apply online you may have to wait for a few days for your application to be processed.
Please make sure that you read the Terms and Conditions before using your Concessionary Travel Pass
Find out more on how you can use your travel pass on public transport in the Liverpool City Region.
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 0151 330 1000 (between 8am and 8pm everyday except Christmas Day) 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 0151 330 1000 (between 8am and 8pm everyday except Christmas Day) 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