People aged 60 and over who live in Merseyside can travel for free on buses, trains and Mersey Ferries. According to Merseytravel, anyone living in the region who is over 60 can apply for a free travel pass.
Who is eligible for a free travel pass?
You can travel for free across Merseyside if you are over 60 and live in the Merseyside region. Advice on Merseytravel said: "Once you turn 60, you can apply for a Merseytravel Over 60s travel pass. This pass gives you free travel on local buses and trains across Merseyside, and also covers cross-river commuter trips on the Mersey Ferries."
When you reach State Pension age, you will also be eligible for the English National Concessionary Travel Pass. This allows you to travel for free on local buses anywhere in England.
Where can you use the pass?
You can use the Merseytravel Over 60s Pass on:
- Local buses within the Merseyside area
- Merseyrail trains (City, Wirral and Northern lines) within Merseyside, and as far as Chester, Ellesmere Port and Ormskirk
- Mersey Ferries for direct river crossings (but not for River Explorer or Special Cruises)
You can't use it on coach trips, National Express or train routes outside the Merseyrail network.
How to apply?
You can apply for a pass at any Merseytravel Centre. Passes can only be printed at Queen Square Bus Station, Birkenhead Bus Station and Bootle Bus Station. There's a £10 fee for your first Over 60s Travel Pass.
You won't need to pay the £10 if you receive any of these benefits: Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Income Support.
What you will need to bring with you
A completed application form, a passport-style colour photo of yourself taken in the last 12 months (with your name and date of birth written clearly on the back), proof of your age – like a birth certificate, driving licence, or passport – and proof that you live in Merseyside, such as a recent council tax bill, utility bill, bank statement, tenancy agreement, or a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions. You'll also need the £10 fee unless you qualify for a fee waiver.
Outside of Merseyside
If you're outside of Merseyside, you could be eligible for a free older person's bus pass. Eligibility is linked to the State Pension age, which is currently 66. You can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age.
