08/06/2026
Concessionary travel on the Isle of Wight
Couple travelling on a bus
Free bus passes for older and disabled residents
https://www.iow.gov.uk/article/2456/Concessionary-travel-on-the-Isle-of-Wight
If you live on the Isle of Wight and meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for a free bus pass or discounted bus travel under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS). This pass allows you to travel for free or with a discount on local buses during off-peak hours.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme also enables eligible residents of the Isle of Wight to travel on buses anywhere in England at certain times.
How to apply for a bus pass or concession
You must apply in person at a designated location. To save time, you can download and complete the application form before you visit us.
What you will need
Bring the following evidence with you
a recent full colour passport photograph of yourself on a light background
proof of your address in your own name not older than three months for example a utility bill, bank statement or any other official letter
if you are applying for a senior person pass, please provide proof of age
if you are applying for a disability pass, please provide proof of disability not older than 12 months
Where to apply
Take your completed form and documents to
County Hall, Newport,
your local library
Staff will check your documents and process your application.
Application form
Concessionary Trave Scheme application form for senior and disabled persons (PDF, 131 KB)(opens new window)
Be sure to read the guidance notes included in the form before completing it.
Guidance notes for new applications on the basis of age
Who can apply?
You can apply if you are
the age of eligibility for concessionary travel for women will be pensionable age
for men it will be the pensionable age of a woman born on the same day
You can check your state pension age using the GOV.UK online calculation tool:
State Pension Age Calculator - GOV.UK
Guidance notes for new applications on the basis of disability
When applying please ensure that you provide specific evidence of your disability, as specified below, for the category under which you believe you qualify. Please note that the evidence must confirm that the disability is likely to last a minimum of 12 months from the date of application.
The seven statutory categories of disabled person include anyone who
Category A - blind or partially sighted
contact the Sensory Service, Wight Sense who will assist you with your application, or,
supply a signed letter on headed paper from a medical professional confirming the statement above
Category B - profoundly or severely deaf
you have a signed letter on headed paper from a medical professional confirming the statement above
Category C - without speech
you have been awarded personal independence payment (PIP), with eight points or more against the 'communicating verbally' activity, or,
you have a signed letter on headed paper from a medical professional confirming the statement above
Category D - a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to walk'
you are in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance, or,
you have been awarded personal independence payment (PIP), with eight points or more against the 'moving around' activity, or,
you are in receipt of war pensioners mobility supplement, or,
you are in receipt of a disabled person's parking permit (blue badge) if issued prior to 30 August 2019, or,
you have a signed letter on headed paper from a medical professional confirming the statement above
Category E - does not have arms or has long-term loss of the use of both arms
you have a signed letter on headed paper from a medical professional confirming the statement above.
Category F - has a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning
you have a signed letter on headed paper from a medical professional confirming the statement above, or,
you have a signed letter on headed paper from a Childrens or Adults Social Care worker confirming the statement above
Category G - would, if he or she applied for the grant of a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have his or her application refused pursuant to section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol
a signed letter on headed paper from a medical professional confirming the statement above, or,
a copy of your licence revocation from the DVLA, including the letter detailing the medical reason, should accompany your application
Bus pass renewal
Apply to renew your bus pass (opens new window)
Bus pass replacement
Apply to replace your bus pass (opens new window)
The 'New Islander Card' Local Concessionary Travel Scheme
In addition to the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, the Isle of Wight Council offers the New Islander Card to
residents with a severe and enduring mental health condition
residents who cannot use public bus services without a travelling companion
The Travelling Companion concession is solely available to island residents who have been issued an English National Concessionary Travel Scheme Concession Scheme bus pass on the grounds of disability, or a New Islander Card issued on the grounds of having a mental health problem.
How to apply for a New Islander Card local concession to residentsï»żï»ż
You must apply in person. To begin
Step 1: Request an application form
You can get the form by
emailing the Transport Service [email protected]
visiting County Hall, Newport
visiting your local library
Tip: Read the guidance notes contained within the form before completing the form.
Step 2: Submit your application
Take your completed form, photo, and supporting documents to
County Hall, Newport
your local library
Staff will check your documents and process your application.
What you will need
Bring the following evidence with you
a recent a full colour passport photograph of yourself on a light background
proof of your address in your own name not older than three months. For example: a utility bill, bank statement or any other official letter
additional evidence based on the category of card you're applying for. This evidence must be issued/ dated within the last 12 months. Please note that the evidence must confirm that your disability is likely to last a minimum of 12 months from the date of your application.
Categories of New Islander Card
Gold - has a 'severe and enduring' mental health problem
A signed letter on headed paper from an Isle of Wight Mental Health Service confirming the statement above
Silver - cannot access public transport without the assistance of a travelling companion
A signed letter on headed paper from a medical professional confirming the statement above
Free travel on the Isle of Wight at the following times
When can you use your pass?
Island residents who hold an age-related English National Concessionary Bus Pass and non-Island residents who hold an English National Concessionary Bus Pass, free travel is available on eligible public bus services between:
Monday to Friday: 9:30am - 11:00pm
Weekends and Bank Holidays: All day
For Island residents who hold an English National Concessionary Bus pass issued on the grounds of disability or a New Islander Card you can travel free:
Any time on any day of the week on eligible local public bus services and Islandline Services
Concessionary Fares Scheme Statutory Notices
Concessionary Fares Scheme 2025-26 - Statutory Notice (PDF, 92 KB)(opens new window)
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