Free off-peak bus travel for people over 60 and qualifying disabled people comes into effect on the 1 April 2008
This means that people who are eligible for a Gold Card are able to travel for free on local buses throughout England after 9.30am weekdays and at any time during weekends and bank holidays.
So, if you go to another part of the country on holiday, for example, you will be able to travel on the local bus services for free at off-peak times.
So, if you go to another part of the country on holiday, for example, you will be able to travel on the local bus services for free at off-peak times.
You will not be able to travel for free on long distance express or coach services or on special excursion or tour buses.
Details of the scheme
If you still qualified for a Gold Card in April 2008 you will have been be reissued with a new one to allow you to travel for free on local buses. This is because bus drivers throughout England need to recognise a single card that shows you are eligible for free bus travel.
These cards all look the same on one side whichever local authority area you are from. The reverse of the cards will be different depending what other local concessions are offered but will be branded “Gold Card”. The local concessions will only apply to eligible Derbyshire residents. We are currently working in partnership with the nine local district and borough councils and with Derby City Council to determine what the final arrangements will be.
These cards all look the same on one side whichever local authority area you are from. The reverse of the cards will be different depending what other local concessions are offered but will be branded “Gold Card”. The local concessions will only apply to eligible Derbyshire residents. We are currently working in partnership with the nine local district and borough councils and with Derby City Council to determine what the final arrangements will be.
The Council is responsible for issuing Gold Cards to residents of our area and will only contact you if your details need to be checked. For new Gold Card applicants, you can pick up an application form from your local library or council office and some post offices.
Who qualifies?
If you are 60 years of age or over you will automatically qualify.
If you are under 60 years of age you can still qualify if:
1: You are registered blind or partially sighted
2: You are profoundly or severely deaf
3: You are without speech
4: Have a disability, or have suffered an injury, which has a substantial and
long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk
5: You have no arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
6: If you applied for a driving license you would be likely
to have your application refused
7: You have a 'Blue Badge' concessionary parking permit
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the new Derbyshire Gold card different to the current one?
From April 1 2008, Derbyshire Gold enables eligible users to get free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.
From April 1 2008, Derbyshire Gold enables eligible users to get free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.
When exactly is off-peak travel?
Off-peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday and all day weekends and bank holidays.
Off-peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday and all day weekends and bank holidays.
What is the definition of a ‘local’ bus?
In most cases this will be self-evident but in a few instances this could include some longer distance buses and coach services where part of their route is registered as a local bus service. Long-distance express services, special tours and excursions are not classed as local bus services. If in doubt check with the bus operator.
In most cases this will be self-evident but in a few instances this could include some longer distance buses and coach services where part of their route is registered as a local bus service. Long-distance express services, special tours and excursions are not classed as local bus services. If in doubt check with the bus operator.
Will I be able to enjoy free bus travel anywhere within the UK?
No. You can only get free bus travel within England.
No. You can only get free bus travel within England.
Can I use Derbyshire Gold to get free train travel?
No, but you will be entitled to half fare local train travel.
No, but you will be entitled to half fare local train travel.
If I visit an area that offers additional services such as free train or tram travel will I be entitled to them?
Probably not. As a general rule local authorities will only provide additional services for their own residents. Some authorities though, may provide them – check with the relevant authority in the area to which you intend to travel.
Probably not. As a general rule local authorities will only provide additional services for their own residents. Some authorities though, may provide them – check with the relevant authority in the area to which you intend to travel.
I visit relatives in London occasionally so will I be able to enjoy the same benefits as a London Freedom Pass holder?
No. Because those benefits are paid for by the London authorities, only London Freedom Pass holders will be able to enjoy additional travel on the tube and train. But you will be able to enjoy free off-peak bus travel when visiting the capital.
No. Because those benefits are paid for by the London authorities, only London Freedom Pass holders will be able to enjoy additional travel on the tube and train. But you will be able to enjoy free off-peak bus travel when visiting the capital.
I’m finding all the differences in the various schemes confusing, what do I really need to know?
Your new Derbyshire Gold card entitles you to free off-peak bus travel anywhere in England. You can also use it to get discounts at local businesses and as a library card in Derbyshire.
Your new Derbyshire Gold card entitles you to free off-peak bus travel anywhere in England. You can also use it to get discounts at local businesses and as a library card in Derbyshire.
Derbyshire Gold card is issued by your local district council. Please contact us for information about your card - the number is on the bottom of the page.
What should I do if my circumstances change?
If your circumstances change, for example if you move address either to a different county or within Derbyshire, or become ineligible because of a change in your disability, please tell us.
If your circumstances change, for example if you move address either to a different county or within Derbyshire, or become ineligible because of a change in your disability, please tell us.
Downloads
Form to apply for the new Derbyshire Gold Card. Please download and print this form, unfortunately it is not available to submit online. (59.4 KB)
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