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Free travel pass help & FAQs

The answers to the most common questions from our customers

FAQs - Free travel pass help & FAQs

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about free travel passes. For more information and to apply online please visit the Network West Midlands website.

Older person's travel pass FAQs

What if I have lost or damaged my free travel pass?

As your pass was issued by TfWM please contact Network West Midlands to arrange for a replacement to be sent to you.

Replacement passes can be ordered and paid for over the phone, or at the TfWM Travel Centre located in New Street train station. All replacement passes will be posted first class and should be received within 5 working days. 

Holders of passes issued by other local authorities will need to contact their own issuing authority.

How do I apply for a free travel pass?

For people living within the West Midlands county, which covers Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Solihull, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, your pass will be issued by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM). You can download an application from the Network West Midlands website. 

If you live outside of the West Midlands county, your older person's travel pass will be issued by the authority who administers your local concessionary travel scheme.

Am I eligible for an Older person's travel pass?

You are eligible for an Older person's travel pass if:

  • Have reached state pension age
  • Live in the West Midlands

A full criteria list can be found on Network West Midlands website.

Am I eligible for a Disabled person's travel pass?

You may be eligible for a Disabled persons travel pass if:

  • You have an eligible disability that's expected to last at least 12 months
  • You are aged 5 or over

A full criteria list can be found on Network West Midlands website.

How do I use the free travel pass?

It's simple to use your free pass: 

  1. Remove the pass from your purse or wallet. Your pass will not work when next to a bank card, you'll also want to make sure you don't place any contactless bank cards near the reader to prevent any accidental payments being made taken.
  2. Place the pass flat onto the reader. You'll only need to do this once when you board the bus. 
  3. Hold the pass still until you see a green light and hear a beep, this will show that your pass has been accepted.
  4. Enjoy your free bus travel!

When can I use my free travel pass?

Your pass entitles you to travel between 9:30am and the last service of the day Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays.

For more information on conditions of use, please visit Network West Midlands website. 

Can I travel before 9:30am with a free travel pass?

Yes, if you want to travel before 9.30am, you can pay just £1.50 for a single journey. Simply place your free travel pass on the reader and if you want to pay with cash, put £1.50 in the cash chute. If you want to pay by contactless, ask the driver for the £1.50 ticket and place your contactless card/device on the reader when instructed by the driver.

We also have 4 week tickets and monthly subscriptions available if you travel frequently before 9:30am.

Please be ready to show your pass to authorised staff or ticket inspectors if requested at any time during your journey.

Do you offer Ring and Ride door-to-door transport?

Our sister company, Ring and Ride is a door-to-door transport service for anyone who lives in the urban areas of the West Midlands who find it difficult or impossible to use normal public transport.

Customers can use the service for travel for the same purpose they would do on normal public transport such as commuting to and from work, visiting friends, shopping and leisure activities, to visit someone in hospital or for healthcare appointments. Please visit the Ring and Ride website for more information

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