Apply for a Diamond Travelcard bus pass
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If you have reached state pension age, receive a qualifying benefit or meet the disability criteria you are entitled to free travel on local buses anywhere in England.
If you are registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired you can apply for an enhanced travelcard.
The state pension age increased to 67 on 6 April 2026. Use the GOV.UK state pension age calculator to check your eligibility for a pensionable age bus pass.
How to apply
First check you meet the eligibility criteria.
You will need to provide a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.
You will also need to submit copies of documents as proof of identity and address. More details on what you can provide as evidence are listed on the online application portal and application form.
If you are unable to apply online, you can either:
- download our application form (use the short application form if you are of pensionable age)
- get an application form from one of our libraries, One Stop Shops, council offices or by calling us on 01454 868004
Send your completed application to contravel@southglos.gov.uk or post to the address on the form.
Make sure your application is fully completed and your proof of address and identity are included along with any other supporting documentation required. This will prevent delays in issuing your card.
Please note we may contact you if further information or evidence is needed.
If everything is in order with your application, we aim to issue your card within 2 weeks. We ask that you do not contact us to chase up your application within this time.
Enhanced travelcard (sight impaired)
If you are registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired you can apply for an enhanced Diamond Travelcard (also called a Platinum Travelcard). This enables you to travel free of charge at all times on local buses.
Any journeys that start before 9am must begin in South Gloucestershire.
Apply using our short Platinum Travelcard application form. Alternatively you can collect a form from one of our libraries, One Stop Shops, council offices or by calling us on 01454 868004.
Send your completed application to contravel@southglos.gov.uk or post to the address on the form.
When submitting your application you will need to include a copy of one of the following:
- certificate of visual impairment or DB8 form
- your South Gloucestershire Council sight impaired registration number
- letter from your eye specialist confirming that you are considered sight impaired
Help to complete your application
You can visit one of our One Stop Shops to have your photo taken and get help to complete your application form. Make sure you take all your supporting documents.
Privacy notice
Find out how we collect, use and share your data in our privacy notice for the Diamond Travelcard.