Merseytravel offers free travel on all buses, trains and Mersey Ferries river crossings for anyone with certain disabilities who lives in Merseyside.
You may qualify for a English National Concessionary Travel Pass if you meet the conditions of any of the seven categories of disability defined in the Transport Act 2000.
The seven categories of disability are listed below and the disability must be long-lasting (expected to last at least 12 months) or permanent.
On local buses in England, 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, 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.
On buses trains and Mersey Ferries in Merseyside - all day, every day of the week. On buses in England - 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday and anytime Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.
You should place your pass on the card reader on board the bus, at the rail gate or on the platform validator every time you make a journey. If there is no rail gate or platform validator on your train journey you must show it to a member of staff if asked.
You may qualify for a Merseytravel National Travel Pass if you meet the conditions of any of the seven categories of disability defined in the Transport Act 2000.
Category A - Blind or partially sighted
Category B - Profoundly or severely deaf
Category C - Without speech
Category D - Disability or injury which has a substantial effect on your ability to walk
Category E - Does not have arms or has long-term loss of the use of both arms
Category F - Learning disability
Category G1 - Would be refused a licence to drive a motor vehicle because of medical fitness
Category G2 - Would be refused a licence to drive a motor vehicle because of severe mental disorder. The disability must be long-lasting (expected to last at least 12 months) or permanent.
You can apply online, at a Merseytravel Centre or by post.
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 date of birth (for example a photocopy of your birth certificate, passport, medical card or a recent prescription). If you are using a birth certificate as proof of age and your name is different that on your birth certificate you must provide official proof of your change of name, for example a marriage certificate. Please note we do not accept original documents and you must supply photocopies. If there are any charges in connection with your application you will have to pay these. Any supporting evidence - this is listed in the application form under the section which relates to your disability.
· Proof that your address is in Merseyside, dated within the last six months (for example, a recent council tax bill, official tenancy agreement, a letter from electoral services or letter from the Department for Work and Pensions).
· If you are applying by post you must include a copy of your photographic identification, either a passport or photo card driving licence. If you do not have photographic identification, we will not be able to process your application by post and you will need to go to your local Merseytravel Centre to continue with your application.
Find out where your nearest Travel Centre is.
We may contact you to ask for more details about your disability or you may be asked to attend an assessment. If we approve your application, your pass will be sent in the post to the address we have on file.
Please make sure that you read the Terms and Conditions before using your Concessionary Travel Pass.
I have changed my address
You can email us [email protected] with evidence of your new address or alternatively you can visit one of our Merseytravel Centres. We will accept one of the following as evidence; 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 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 email to [email protected] . 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 or visiting one of our Merseytravel Centres . We will charge you to replace a lost or stolen pass. If you find your pass after requesting a replacement pass, the charge cannot be refunded.
My pass is damaged
Let us know immediately by calling us on 0151 330 1000 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
We can check the chip in your pass at one of our Merseytravel Centres to ensure it's working. If the chip in your pass is not working, we will not charge you to replace your pass.
I am not happy with your decision
You can appeal within one month of the date of your decision outcome. You must make it in writing and you must enclose further relevant official documents, dated within the last 12 months, to support your appeal. Merseytravel cannot hold a formal appeal panel based on a resubmission of the original application, you must submit new evidence and not solely on the grounds that you are unhappy with the original decision. Take your supporting documents to a Merseytravel Centre or post them to:
Concessions Customer Delivery Team
Merseytravel
PO Box 1976
Liverpool
L69 3HN.
Are there any other services for disabled people that I can use?
If you need it, we can give you information about travel passes or in other formats (such as in large print, in Braille or on audio CD).
