The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) is a statutory scheme established under the Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007, with legal backing from the Transport Acts of 1985 and 2000. It requires local authorities in England to provide eligible residents—specifically older individuals and those with qualifying disabilities—with free off-peak travel on local eligible bus services.

In the West of England, the scheme is jointly administered by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset Council. These authorities issue an annual Scheme Notice to outline the scheme’s operation in the region, including terms for reimbursing participating bus operators.

The scheme operates under the following legislation:

• Transport Act 1985 (Sections 93–99)
• Transport Act 2000 (Section 150)
• Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007
• Travel Concessions (Eligibility) Act 2002
• Travel Concession Scheme Regulations 1986
• Mandatory Travel Concession (England) Regulations 2011

These laws collectively define eligibility, entitlements, and the reimbursement responsibilities of local authorities and operators.se

Under Section 93 of the Transport Act 1985, statutory entitlement includes:

Eligible Passengers:

• Individuals of pensionable age
• Individuals with a qualifying disability

Core Entitlements:

• Free travel on local bus services between 09:30 and 23:00 on weekdays
• Free travel at any time on weekends and bank holidays

Discretionary Enhancements (locally applied):

• Free weekday travel from 09:00 for residents of pensionable age
• Free travel between 23:00 and 04:00 for residents of pensionable age
• 24/7 free travel for all disabled passholders
• 24/7 travel for Platinum passholders (passholders with visual impairments)
• Companion travel for eligible disabled or elderly passengers who require assistance

The Scheme covers the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset Council, comprising the following authorities:

• Bath & North East Somerset Council
• Bristol City Council
• North Somerset Council (as a partner authority)
• South Gloucestershire Council

Only services defined as eligible local bus services under the Travel Concessions (Eligible Services) Regulations 2002 qualify under ENCTS. Key eligibility criteria include:

• The service is open to the general public
• Operates on a registered timetable with regular stops
• At least half of the seating capacity is normally available to the public
• Fares are not set to discourage use
• Information on the service is reasonably accessible to the public
• No signage or messaging implies restriction to a specific group

In accordance with the Travel Concessions (Eligible Services) (Amendment) Order 2009, the following services are excluded from ENCTS:

• Services where most seats are bookable in advance (e.g. coach services)
• Services operating for fewer than six consecutive weeks
• Services primarily for tourist purposes or using heritage vehicles
• Rail replacement services
• Services where the fare includes a special amenity element (e.g. luxury coaches)

Participating operators are reimbursed on the principle of being “no better and no worse off” for their involvement. Reimbursement covers:

• Revenue foregone (lost fares)
• Net additional costs (e.g. added capacity, administration)

Key Considerations:

• Reimbursement follows DfT guidance and formulas
• Rates may vary by operator or agreement
• Operators must use ITSO-compliant smartcards to record journeys
• Manual records are only accepted under strict limitations (<3% of monthly claims)
• Inaccurate data may delay or reduce reimbursement

The West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council are the Data Controllers for passes issued under their jurisdictions. Operators are expected to:

• Safeguard passenger data
• Report suspected fraud or misuse
• Return any confiscated passes with accompanying reports
• Cooperate with on-board inspections and audits

If operators believe reimbursement arrangements are unfair, they may:

• Request a formal review by the Managing Authority
• Appeal to the Secretary of State for Transport under Section 150(3) of the Transport Act 2000

Additional appeal rights exist under:

• Section 98(2) and Section 99(2) of the Transport Act 1985

The authority reserves the right to amend discretionary elements of the scheme with 28 days’ notice. If agreement cannot be reached:

• Enhancements may be withdrawn
• The scheme will revert to the statutory minimum entitlement:
  • 09:30–23:00 weekdays
  • All day on weekends and bank holidays

For all formal communications regarding the ENCTS scheme (including reimbursement, appeals, or general enquiries), please contact:

Head of Integrated Transport
West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
70 Redcliff Street
Bristol
BS1 6AL
Email: [email protected]A

Eligible residents can apply or renew their ENCTS pass through their local council using the links below:

 

• Bath & North East Somerset
• Bristol City Council
• North Somerset Council
• South Gloucestershire Council

• Scheme Notice 2025 – 2026