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From 1 April 2008 we will join the English National Concessionary Travel (ENCT) Scheme.
This will give free travel to residents who are over 60 or disabled, on local buses across the country.
Journeys will be free after 9.30am from Monday to Friday and at any time at weekends or public holidays.
This will replace the Sussex Countycard scheme which has been running since 2006.
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No, all current Sussex County Card holders will be sent a English National Concessionary Travel Card in the post.
The new ENCT Card will be valid for five years.
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The ENCT card is free to residents of Hastings and St Leonards.
If you decide not to use it or you move to live outside Hastings and St Leonards, please return it to the Duty Manager at the Hastings Information Centre.
If you lose your ENCT card, a charge of £5 will be made for a replacement.
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From 1 April 2008, you can use your ENCT card to travel for free after 9.30am on any bus journey in England and at any time weekends or public holidays.
The ENCT card is not valid on rail journeys or to purchase season, express coach, excursion or similar tickets.
Companions can travel free within Hastings and Rother. If the journey starts in Hastings and Rother the outward leg of the journey for the companion will be free, but they may be charged for the return leg of the journey from outside the Hastings and Rother area.
The rules about companions may vary from area to area, so if you're travelling outside Hastings, it's best to check with the relevant local authority.
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ENCT Cards are only available to permanent residents of the Borough of Hastings and St Leonards - they are not available to visitors.
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Hastings Information Centre handles applications for the ENCT Card.
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An Application Form for the scheme is available for download.
You may find it useful to read our Help before downloading information.
You must visit the Hastings Information Centre in person to apply for your ENCT Card and provide us with proof that you live in Hastings or St Leonards. Your photograph will be taken to use on your pass.
In addition, you will need to show proof of entitlement, such as a driver's licence, passport or documentary evidence that you qualify under one of the categories listed under 'Who Can Apply?'.
If a companion of the disabled person is applying then a doctor's letter stating 'the disabled ENCT Card holder needs a companion' is required.
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If your ENCT Card is lost, stolen or misplaced, this should be reported to Hastings Information Centre. Duplicates may be issued at the sole discretion of the Information Centre Manager and there will be a waiting period of three days, from the date it is reported missing, before a new ENCT Card is issued.
Applications should be made in person, and an Application Form completed. There will be a charge of £5.00 for the cost of new ENCT Card.
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The ENCT Card can be used only by the person whose name and photograph appears on the card and must not be lent or given to anyone else.
It is only valid for travel after 9.30am Monday to Friday and at anytime at weekends or public holidays.
The ENCT Card remains the property of Hastings Borough Council and must be surrendered on demand.
When you board a bus, you should show the ENCT Card to the driver/conductor before you state your destination. Some bus companies will issue a concessionary ticket or receipt for the journey. If one is issued please take it and keep it throughout your journey.
All ENCT Card holders are subject to the normal conditions of carriage and passenger regulations as exhibited in the Bus Operator's offices.
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For further advice on any matter relating to the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme please contact us.
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This page last updated: 31/03/2008