Concessionary Travel
Gold Card is a travel, discount and library card for older people and people with certain disabilities.
Gold Card allows you to travel free, off-peak, on local buses throughout the whole of England, discounts at more than 1,000 shops and other local businesses and to borrow at all Derbyshire and Derby City libraries.
Gold card holders can also use community transport dial-a-bus services. You will be charged a £1 flat rate single fare (£2 return). It doesn’t matter how far you travel on a dial-a-bus, the fare is the same.
Who can have a Gold Card?
Depending on your date of birth, older people who have turned 60 can have a Gold Card - the travel, discount and library card for Derbyshire residents.
The table below shows when you will be eligible:-
If your birthday is between:- Eligible from:-
Before and including September 5 1952 You are eligible
September 6 1952 to October 5 1952 March 6 2015
October 6 1952 to November 5 1952 May 6 2015
November 6 1952 to December 5 1952 July 6 2015
December 6 1952 to January 5 1953 September 2015
January 6 1953 to February 5 1953 November 6 2015
February 6 1953 to March 5 1953 January 6 2016
March 6 1953 – April 5 1953 March 6 2016
April 6 1953 – May 5 1953 July 6 2016
May 6 1953 – June 5 1953 November 6 2016
June 6 1953 – July 5 1953 March 6 2017
July 6 1953 – August 5 1953 July 6 2017
August 6 1953 – September 5 1953 November 6 2017
September 6 1953 – October 5 1953 March 6 2018
October 6 1953 – November 5 1953 July 6 2018
November 6 1953 – December 5 1953 November 6 2018
Can I get free travel if I am under 60?
Some people under 60 may also qualify for a Gold Card if they have a disability. This includes people who:
· are blind or partially sighted
· are profoundly or severely deaf
· are without speech
· are without arms or have the long term loss of the use of both arms
· have a long term disability or suffered an injury which seriously impairs your ability to walk.This includes Blue Badge holders
· have a learning disability
· cannot drive on medical grounds or would automatically be refused a driving licence if you applied.This may include people with severe mental illness.
Where can I travel by bus free of charge?
With a Gold Card, you can enjoy free off-peak travel on local buses throughout the whole of England. Off-peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday and all day weekends and bank holidays.
How do I apply for a Gold Card?
You must complete an application form, which can be obtained from any of our Contact Centres or downloaded from the Derbyshire County Council website www.derbyshire.gov.uk
The completed application from can be handed it in at any of our Contact Centres, participating post
offices, or alternatively posted back to us at Bolsover District Council, The Arc, Clowne, S43 4JY
What is the definition of a ‘local’ bus?
A local bus is a timetabled service which runs locally and where a fare would usually be paid.
Long distance express coach services, tours and special excursions are not included in the scheme.
If in doubt, please check with your local bus operator.
Will I be able to enjoy free bus travel anywhere within the UK?
No. You can only get free bus travel within England. Gold Card is not valid in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Can I use my Gold Card to getfree train travel?
No. Your Gold Card can only be used for free local bus travel.
If I visit an area that offers additional services such as free train or tram travel will I be entitled to them?
Probably not.As a general rule local councils will only provide additional services for their own residents. Some councils though, may provide them – check with the relevant council in the area to which you intend to travel.
I visit relatives in London occasionally so will I be able to enjoy the same benefits as a London Freedom Pass holder?
No. Because those benefits are paid for by the London authorities, only London Freedom Pass holders will be able to enjoy additional travel on the tube and train.But you will be able to enjoy free off-peak bus travel when visiting the capital.
What should I do if my circumstances change?
If your circumstances change, for example if you move address either to a different county or within Derbyshire, or become ineligible because of a change in your disability, please let us know by telephoning our Contact Centres on 01246 242424.
How do I get discounts in shops with my Gold Card?
Firstly, get a copy of the latest Gold Card Discount Directory, free from any county council library, Contact Centre or from Call Derbyshire 01629 533190
There are more than 1,000 shops, restaurants, pubs and services in and around Derbyshire that give a Gold Card discount of usually 10 per cent or more. Please note that sometimes sale items or special offers are excluded from a Gold Card discount.
Simply show your Gold Card when you pay to have the amount deducted. Please note that discounts are for the cardholder only.
I have lost my Gold Card, how do I get a new one?
You need to visit one of the Contact Centres. They will have your details on file so you will not need to supply another application form or photograph.
A new card will be requested for you which will be posted to your home address in due course. Please note there is a £5 charge for a replacement card.
Until you receive your new card you will not be entitled to concessionary travel.
My Gold Card has been stolen, do I have to pay for a new one?
You will not have to pay the £5 replacement fee if you can prove that your Gold Card has been stolen. Once you have reported it missing to the police you should be issued with a crime reference number.
You should give this to prove that your Gold Card has been stolen and the fee will be waivered. Until you receive your new card you will not be entitled to concessionary travel.
What do I need to do to get free travel when I get on a bus?
Show the driver your Gold Card - the side with your photograph on the front - to prove that you can travel for free and tell them where you want to get off the bus.
Even though you don’t need to give the driver any cash, you will be issued with a ticket.
When you make the return journey you will need to show your Gold Card again and you will be issued with another ticket.
In some parts of the country, buses may have machines that ‘read’ your card and you may have to swipe your card against the machine instead of showing it to the driver. If you are unsure ask the driver.
Our standards are
· To process your application within 10 working days.
July 2015