Companion bus pass

A companion bus pass is a disabled bus pass marked with a 'C' symbol. This pass lets a disabled user and a companion travel for free.

It is not a separate bus pass for the companion.

How to use a companion bus pass

You must show your companion bus pass to the driver when boarding the bus. In some places, the driver may ask you to touch your pass on an automatic reader.

Both you and your companion must get on and off the bus at the same stop as each other.

Your companion is any person of your choice who can help you. A companion is not restricted to one specific person. Only one companion at a time may travel with you for free.

When and where to use your pass

You can use your pass at any time and on any day. However, your journey must begin within the Bracknell Forest borough. If you get on a bus in a different borough, your companion may need to pay for their own travel.

Eligibility

You are eligible if you qualify for a disabled person’s bus pass and cannot use a bus without the help of a companion. You must also live in Bracknell Forest.

You are automatically eligible if you:

• are a disabled child aged 5 to 15
• are severely sight impaired
• get certain existing benefits (see below)

How to apply

If you already have a disabled person’s bus pass

If you have a disabled person’s pass, we can add the companion element to your e+ record and issue a new pass.

We will need to see evidence that you are eligible for a companion pass.

Types of evidence

You can show us any one of the following:

• letter from sensory needs confirming registration as severely sight impaired
• certificate of vision impairment signed by consultant ophthalmologist confirming severely sight impaired or confirming one of the following:
  • visual acuity of less than 3/60 with a full visual field
  • visual acuity between 3/60 and 6/60 with a severe reduction of field of vision, such as tunnel vision
  • visual acuity of 6/60 or above but with a very reduced field of vision, especially if a lot of sight is missing in the lower part of the field
• Personal Independence Payment (also known as PIP) award confirming 10 points or more in the categories ‘moving around’ or ‘planning a journey’
• middle or higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance

If you do not have any of these forms of evidence, download and fill in the evidence form. Once completed, get it signed by one of the following:

• your GP
• other medical professional
• a manager from our Social Care Team

Email your evidence or form to customer.services@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. Make sure you write 'Companion bus pass application' as the subject header.

If you are not able to email your evidence or form, visit your local library. They can photocopy the documents and help with your application.

Passes can take up to 2 weeks to process and produce.

We issue companion passes at our discretion.

If you do not have an e+ card

Follow the instructions on the disabled person’s bus pass page. Make sure you:

• make it clear you are applying for a companion pass
• include one of the forms of evidence listed