Skip to content Skip to menu

Travel Pass for People with an Eligible Disability

Image of a Merseytravel Concession Travel Pass.

As a designated Travel Concession Authority (TCA) by the Department for Transport (DfT), Merseytravel administers the concession travel scheme for the five district councils of Merseyside, including Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

 

You may qualify for a travel pass issued to people with an eligible disability, as part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme if you meet the conditions of any of the seven categories of disability as defined by the Transport Act 2000.

Where can I use it?

On local bus services across the Merseyside region and anywhere in England, in addition to travelling on the Merseyrail network as far as Chester, Ellesmere Port and Ormskirk and on the Mersey Ferries for direct 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, on rail journeys outside the Merseyrail network such as journeys between Chester and Liverpool via Runcorn or between Chester and Newton-le-Willows via Runcorn East.

When can I use it?

There are no limitations on when you can use an ENCTS travel pass whilst travelling within Merseyside. You are able to travel all day, every day of the week on local buses, trains and direct single cross-river journeys on Mersey Ferries.

If you are travelling outside of the Merseyside region, your ENCTS travel pass can be used on buses only in England between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday, and anytime on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holdiays.

How do I use it?

Travelling on bus?

As you board the bus, place your ENCTS travel pass on the card reader.  Hold your pass there until the reader beeps to acknowledge it has been read.

Travelling on train?

Place your ENCTS travel pass on the reader at the rail gate or platform validator everytiem you make a journey.  If there is no rail gate or platform validator, you should show your travel pass to a member of staff if asked.

Travelling on Mersey Ferries?

Speak to staff at the ferry terminal for further support. 

Am I eligible for an ENCTS Travel Pass?

Merseytravel is required to issue a travel pass free of charge to those applicants who can demonstrate eligibility and reside within the Merseyside area.  

A blue box with a white icon of a house in the middle and the words - residency status

Residency Status

Residency is a key condition that must be met in all applications.

You can check if your address is within one of the five Merseyside local authorities by using the Find Your Council conline checker.

Your address must fall under one of the following local authorities:

  • Knowsley
  • Liverpool
  • Sefton
  • St Helens
  • Wirral

Please Note: If your address is not within one of the above authorities, then Merseytravel cannot accept your application for an ENCTS travel pass.

A blue box with a white icon of a document in the middle and the words - proof of address.

Proof of Address

You will be required to produce evidence to demonstrate your residency status, usually one of the following:

  • Council tax statement
  • Utility bill (e.g. gas, electricity or water)
  • Bank or Building Society Statement

In addition to the above, Merseytravel will also accept a similar bill or statement which clearly shows the applicant’s name and full address. 

Please Note: Any evidence provided for residential status must not be more than 12-months old for it to be considered valid.

Eligibility Categories

There are seven categories that entitles those people with a disability to the statutory minimum travel concession. These are set out in Section 146 of the Transport Act 2000 and are listed below:

 

How do I apply for an ENCTS travel pass?

There are two ways you can apply for your ENCTS travel pass, online and at a Merseytravel Centre.

If your're applying under category A, B, C, D or E; then we recommended applying at a Merseytravel Centre using a Fast Track Application form.

For categories F and G, the easiest way to apply is to use our online application form.

Applicants can download and print copies of the application forms from the Apply at Merseytravel Centre link below; or pick up a paper copy by visiting their nearest Merseytravel Centre.

Please Note:  We no longer accept paper applications (except category G and supplementary Form G2) via post.  Please either apply online or hand in your completed application form at your nearest Merseytravel Centre.

What happens next?

Once you have submitted your application for an ENCTS travel pass, our team will review your request using the supporting evidence that you have provided inline with the assessment guidance provided by the Department for Transport (DfT).

We aim to process applications within 4 weeks.

At times, we may need more details about your disability or you may be asked to attend an assessment.  A member of the the Concessions team will contact you directly where needed.

If your application meets the eligibility criteria, your travel pass will be posted to the address you provided on your application.  Please allow upto to 10-days for your pass to be delivered by Royal Mail.  

Please make sure you read the terms and conditions and relevant information below.

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.

Help & Support

Special Offer for Merseytravel Concessionary Travel Pass Holders

20% off National Express coach travel for you and a friend