Disabled people who use a National Entitlement Card (NEC) for free bus travel in Scotland are being urged to check their card's expiry date and renew at least five weeks in advance. This follows a change in the renewal process, as Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) no longer sends out renewal forms to disabled card holders.
What Is the National Entitlement Card?
The National Entitlement Card provides access to many public services across Scotland and gives elderly and disabled people free bus travel throughout the country. Through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, it also offers free or reduced fares on train, subway, and ferry journeys.
If you are aged 60 or over, the card does not have an expiry date and is valid for life, provided you continue to live in Scotland. This means you do not need to take any action. However, for others—including disabled people—the card may only be valid for up to three years.
Important Renewal Changes
Due to a change in the renewal process, SPT no longer sends renewal forms to disabled card holders. This means everyone with a card—sometimes referred to as a ‘Saltire card’—should check the expiry date to ensure uninterrupted entitlement to travel concessions. SPT recommends applying for a renewal at least five weeks before the expiry date.
This allows 10 working days for a new card to be issued, ensuring the card arrives before the old one expires. It is also important to be aware that guidance on the SPT website states the Concessionary Travel Card Unit at Buchanan Bus Station is open by appointment only.
SPT guidance states: “SPT no longer sends renewal forms to card holders. Please provide an acceptable proof of eligibility document at least five weeks before the card expires to allow for processing and a new card to be issued. SPT cannot be held liable for gaps in entitlement.”
How to Renew Your Disabled NEC
Proof of eligibility is required to issue a new disabled NEC. For more information on the qualifying criteria and acceptable proof of eligibility documents, please see the Transport Scotland website.
You can renew your disabled NEC online at getyournec.scot if you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera or webcam. Alternatively, if you are unable to complete the renewal process online, SPT will accept a photographed or scanned copy of your proof of eligibility document by email or post.
- Email: freebus@spt.co.uk
- Post: Concessionary Travel, 10 Killermont Street, Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow, G2 3NW
You need to quote the cardholder’s name, disabled NEC card number, date of birth, and full address on any emails or postal correspondence.
There is also a video explaining how to apply for a new NEC or renew an existing card on the getyournec.scot website.
Additional Information
SPT supports the administration of the elderly (60+) and disabled concessionary travel schemes only. If you have a Young Persons' (Under 22) Free Bus Travel card, visit freebus.scot for more information.
