This area contains the following information about the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme:
Back to top of page...
The English National Concessionary Travel (ENCT) Scheme offers free travel to residents who are over 60 or disabled, on local buses throughout the country.
Journeys are free after 9.00am from Monday to Friday and at any time at weekends or public holidays.
If you decide not to use it or you move to live outside Hastings and St Leonards, please return the card to Hastings Information Centre.
Back to top of page...
You can use your ENCT card to travel for free after 9.00am 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.
Back to top of page...
From 06 April 2010, the age of eligibility for concessionary travel for women will be pension age and for men it will be the pensionable age of a woman born on the same day. Visit www.direct.gov.uk to find out if you are entitled - you will need to select 'Female' even if you are male and your date of birth.
ENCT Cards are only available to permanent residents of the Borough of Hastings and St Leonards - they are not available to visitors.
Back to top of page...
You may find it useful to read our help before downloading information.
You must visit 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.
Back to top of page...
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 seven to ten 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.
Back to top of page...
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 9.00am 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.
Back to top of page...
Please contact us for further advice or information on any matter relating to the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
Back to top of page...
This page last updated: 28/06/2010