How to use a disabled person's bus pass
If you have a disabled person's bus pass, you can travel for free at the following times and places:
Travelling in Bracknell Forest
In Bracknell Forest you can use your pass at any time, on any day. This includes the 703 Flightline service to Heathrow and the 701/702 Greenline service to London.
Travelling in England
You can travel anywhere in England on local buses at these times:
- Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 11pm
- weekends and bank holidays, at any time
Some other local authorities may also offer extensions to the hours you can use your pass. If you plan to visit an area outside Bracknell Forest, and you would like to know whether there are any special local arrangements that may apply to you, you should contact the local council for that area.
Show your pass
You must show your pass every time you get on a bus. In some places the driver may ask you to touch your pass on an automatic reader. Try to make sure that the Bracknell Forest badge in the top right hand corner of the pass can be easily seen by the bus driver.
It's just for the bus
You can only use your bus pass to travel on the bus. You cannot use your pass on express coaches, trains, trams, taxis or ferries.
Eligibility
If you live in Bracknell Forest, and you have a disability, you can apply for a disabled person's bus pass.
The following disabilities may qualify:
- blind or partially sighted
- profoundly or severely deaf
- without speech
- unable to walk
- unable to use arms
- learning disability
- medically unfit to drive
Disorders such as autism (unless severe) Asperger's syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD are not covered by the government's definition of a learning disability.
How to apply
If you are applying for a disabled person's bus pass, you need to first complete an e+ application.
Then email your evidence to customer.services@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.
If you are not able to send digital copies, you must post your items to:
e+ Team
Time Square
Market Street
RG12 1JD
Do not post the originals, only copies.
What to provide
We will need to see proof of age, proof of residency and proof of identity. The following documents are acceptable:
- proof of age (passport, birth certificate)
- proof of residency (utility bills less than 6 months old)
- proof of identity (bank card, passport)
A photo driving licence will cover all 3 proofs.
Additional proofs
We will also need to see proofs of your specific disability.
Blind or partially sighted
Additional proofs are:
- letter from Berkshire Sensory Needs service confirming disability or registration as blind or partially sighted
- certificate of vision impairment signed by consultant ophthalmologist
Profoundly or severely deaf
Additional proofs are:
- registration as profoundly or severely deaf
- letter from an audiology specialist on official paper confirming a hearing loss has been recorded at 70 DBHL or worse
- 8 points or more on your Personal Independence Payment's (PIPs) award letter in the 'communicating verbally' category
Without speech
Additional proofs are:
- a copy of your Bracknell Forest social services green registration card or your PIP award of 8 points or more under the 'communicating verbally' category
- a letter from a medical professional confirming that you are unable to communicate orally in any language, this does not include slow or difficult to understand speech
Unable to walk
Additional proofs are:
- higher rate of mobility component of Disability Living allowance (DLA) awarded for at least 12 months
- 8 points or more on your PIP's award letter in the 'moving around' category
- war pensioner’s mobility supplement
- 'Reasons for Decision’ letter for lump sum payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Unable to use arms
Additional proofs are:
- higher rate of mobility component of Disability Living allowance (DLA) awarded for at least 12 months
- letter on official paper from a medical professional confirming the long-term loss of use of both arms
Learning disability
Additional proofs are:
- letter on official paper from a medical practitioner confirming a learning disability started before adulthood
- 8 points or more on your PIPs award letter in the 'communicating verbally' category
Disorders such as autism (unless severe) Asperger’s syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and ADHD are not automatically covered by the government's definition of a learning disability.
Medically unfit to drive
Additional proofs are:
- letter from Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) giving notice of refusal or withdrawal of licence, not including voluntary withdrawal
- letter on official paper from a medical practitioner confirming that a medical condition prevents the issue of a driving licence
How to renew your pass
If you have a disabled person's bus pass to renew, call us on 01344 352000 so we can assess whether you need to reconfirm proof of your disability.
Lost or stolen pass
If you lose your bus pass we can replace it for a £9 fee.
If your pass is stolen, report it to the police by calling 101 and get a crime number. If you have a crime number we can waive the replacement fee.
For more details, call Customer Services on 01344 352000.