Your older person's bus pass
Last reviewed: June 2026
A free bus pass is one of the nicest things about reaching State Pension age. It lets you travel free on local buses, and not just here in Derbyshire but right across England, which is wonderful for popping into town, seeing friends, getting to appointments, or simply enjoying a day out without a thought for the fare. In Derby and Derbyshire it is known as the Gold Card. Here is how it works and how to get one.
Who can get one
You qualify when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 and rising in stages to 67 by 2028. In England the bus pass age follows the State Pension age, so it goes up as that does. You can apply about a month before you reach State Pension age, so that your pass is ready to use on the day you become eligible.
There is also a version of the pass for people with a qualifying disability, whatever their age, which we come to below.
What it gives you
Your Gold Card gives you free travel on local buses between 9:30am and 11pm on weekdays, and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. And it is not limited to Derbyshire. The card works on local buses anywhere in England under the national scheme, with the same times, so you can use it when you are visiting family or away for the day elsewhere in the country.
A couple of things to bear in mind. The pass covers local buses only, not trains, trams or long-distance coaches. And before 9:30am on weekdays you would pay the normal fare. The Gold Card can also get you discounts with some operators even outside those free hours.
How to apply
Applying is free. You apply to Derbyshire County Council, either online or by post, and you will need proof of your age, proof of your address, and a passport-style photo. Your pass is then sent to you in the post, usually within a couple of weeks. If you ever lose it, a replacement costs £10.
The simplest place to start is GOV.UK, at gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass, which will direct you to Derbyshire County Council.
The disabled person's bus pass
If you have a disability, or a health condition that means you cannot drive, you may qualify for a bus pass regardless of your age, on the same free off-peak basis. And if you are unable to travel on your own, you may also be able to get a companion pass, which lets someone travel free with you to help you on your journey. You apply to Derbyshire County Council in the same way.
If using the bus is difficult
If buses do not run near you, or you find them hard to manage, there are other ways to get about. Derbyshire runs community transport schemes, such as Dial-a-Bus and community car schemes, which can take you to the shops, to appointments or to social groups. To find out what is available in your area, contact Derbyshire County Council on Call Derbyshire, 01629 533190.
If you travel by train
Your bus pass does not cover trains, but if you do travel by rail, a Senior Railcard, for anyone aged 60 or over, gives you a third off most fares for a small annual fee of around £30. If you take more than a few train journeys a year, it soon pays for itself.
Where to get help, locally and nationally
Close to home, across Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire:
- Derbyshire County Council, for the Gold Card and for information about community transport. For community transport, call Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190.
Across the country:
- GOV.UK, at gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass, to start your application.
- The Senior Railcard, for discounted train travel.