Using your older person's bus pass

You can only use your current bus pass. If you try to use an old or cancelled bus pass, it will not work and you’ll have to pay the bus fare.

Buses

You can use your free bus pass on most bus services in Scotland.

There are a few that are not included, such as:

• premium fare services
• sightseeing buses
• cross-border services
• some airport transfer services

Check with your bus operator if you're not sure.

You can use your bus pass to get a ticket on the bus or in advance. If you book advance tickets, you may need to collect them in person.

You must take your bus pass with you even if you already have your ticket.

When you get on the bus, place your bus pass on the electronic ticket machine with your photo facing up. If there’s no electronic ticket machine, show your bus pass to the driver.

Trams

You can travel free on Edinburgh trams if the City of Edinburgh Council issued your bus pass.

You cannot use bus passes issued by other councils on trams, unless you are blind or sight impaired and have a disabled person’s bus pass with the eye symbol.

Find out more about travelling by tram on the Transport for Edinburgh website.

Ferries

You can get 4 free ferry vouchers each year if you live in the Western Isles, Orkney or Shetland.

These will give you 2 free return trips to the mainland as a foot passenger.

You do not need to apply for the ferry vouchers separately. If you qualify, you’ll automatically get them with your free bus pass.

Find out more about ferry vouchers on the Transport Scotland website.