If you are living in Blackpool and aged 60 or over, you are eligible for a NoWcard which allows free travel on any local bus service anywhere in England after 9.30am and before 11pm Monday to Friday and all day on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
Please note that as of 1 October 2008 the old style NoWcards will no longer be valid - you will need a card whcih features red rose emblem in the top left corner of the front of the card and have a silver hologram, which the old cards don’t have.
Locally, the passes allow travel for free between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays on the trams in both Blackpool and Wyre, on any local bus service and on the Knott End Ferry.
Visitors to Blackpool
If you are a visitor to Blackpool and hold a National Concessionary bus pass issued by a District Council in England you are entitled to free travel on any local bus service between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
As neighbouring Concessionary Travel areas may have different conditions, please check with your own Council before travelling for more guidance on using your card in other areas.
Unfortunately, passes are not valid on buses outside the times stated above or on the trams. If you reside in Scotland or Wales, unfortunately these passes are not valid at all in England.
Applying for a Bus Pass
You can apply for a National Concessionary Bus Pass (NoWcard) by calling in at our Customer First Centre at the Municipal Buildings on Corporation Street .
Please note that your sole or main residence must be in Blackpool. If you are nearing your 60th birthday and applying for a NowCard for the first time, please be aware that applications cannot be processed until 14 days before you are 60 so we can't accept applications until that date.
Completed application forms should be taken to our Customer First Centre and you will need to bring the following information with you:
- Proof of your name and current address - you can use your council tax bill or a utility bill such as your gas, electric or water bill for this;
- Proof of your date of birth (example, your birth certificate or driving licence).
The Customer First Centre Advisor will check your documents, take your photograph and send off your application form to the NoWcard bureau.
You can check the progress of your application either online at www.nowcard.org/ or by calling the NoWcard helpline on 0845 058 1096
What to do about lost or stolen passes
If you lose your bus pass, please call into our Customer First Centre to apply for a replacement. There is a £10 charge for a replacement pass.
If your pass is stolen, you should report the theft to the police and get a crime number from them. When you have done this, please call into our Customer First Centre for a replacement pass which will be given to you free of charge when you give us the crime number.
Problems swiping bus pass
If your bus pass isn't swiping correctly please look at the NoWcard website for advice on what you should do. |