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Concessionary travel scheme

All permanent residents of Tyne and Wear aged 60 and over are entitled to a concessionary travel permit. Applicants should take proof of their age and address to a NEXUS travel office where their application will be processed.

Who can apply for a disabled concessionary travel permit?

Anyone under the age of 60 who is a permanent resident of Tyne and Wear and one of the following:

  • Is permanently blind so as to be unable to perform any duties for which normal sight is required and registered with their local authority. You will be asked to provide a copy of the registration letter or a copy of the BD8 supplied to you by your eye consultant. If you are registered with North Tyneside it may be possible for us to check the register.
  • Is registered partially sighted as assessed by a consultant ophthalmologist. You will be required to provide a copy of the registration letter or a copy of the BD8 supplied to you by your eye consultant. If you are registered with North Tyneside it may be possible for us to check the register.
  • Is registered as profoundly deaf with or without speech. You will need to provide and copy of the registration letter. If you are registered with North Tyneside it may be possible for us to check the register.
  • Is without the use of both arms whether through the absence of limbs or otherwise. We will write to your doctor for confirmation.
  • Has had a laryngectomy. We will write to your doctor to confirm this.
  • Has had a driving licence revoked or refused on medical grounds under Section 92/93 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. We will require a copy of the letter from DVLA revoking your licence. If you have returned your licence to DVLA voluntarily, you will not be eligible for a concessionary travel permit.
  • Has been assessed as having learning disabilities. We will require a copy of the registration letter from the relevant local authority or a letter confirming eligibility from the Community Learning Disabilities Team. If you are registered with North Tyneside it may be possible to check the register.
  • Be registerable with us as chronically sick and disabled AND suffering from a permanent disability or injury which seriously impairs your ability to walk. We will write to your doctor to confirm your medical condition. Please note that the final decision to issue or refuse a disabled travel permit rests entirely with this authority.

How to apply for a concessionary Travel Permit

Return the completed application form either in person or by post to your local Customer Service Centre. If the application is not fully completed and signed we will not be able to process your application. It is particularly important that you answer all the questions on the reverse of the application.

Frequently asked questions

How long will it take to process my application?

If we have to write to your doctor for confirmation it could take a few weeks to process. We will contact you once a decision has been made. However, if you are applying under one of the other categories and provide all the relevant paperwork with the application we will process your application while you wait.

Do I need to provide a photograph?

Yes, once your application has been processed we will send you a voucher in the post. You must take this voucher to your local NEXUS Travel Centre, along with proof of identity (something with your name and address on it) and a passport size photograph.

Is having mental health problems the same as having learning disabilities?

In order to qualify for a concessionary travel permit the applicant must have a learning disability, that is, ‘a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning’. These disabilities must have started before adulthood and have a lasting effect on development. The person should be able to qualify for specialist services and may have had special educational provision.

Can I get an all day travel permit?

If you need an all day travel permit because you work or attend a Centre for at least 15 hours a week you can get an all day pass if you provide a letter from your employer or the Centre stating the days and hours you attend. You should take this letter with your other documents to the Travel Centre.

Do I have to re-apply when my travel pass expires?

You do not have to be reassessed by us. You can renew your pass with NEXUS during the month it is due to expire. You will need to provide proof of identity and another letter from your employer or Centre if you are re-applying for an all day pass.

Do I need to let you know if I lose my pass?

You need to contact NEXUS by telephoning 0191 203 3211

What happens if I do not agree with your decision?

If your application for a travel pass is turned down you have the right to ask for your case to be reviewed. However, you must do so within twenty working days of the date on the letter we send to you informing you that you do not qualify for a pass.

The best way to do this is to put your case in writing requesting that we review our decision and either take this or send it into your local Customer Service Centre. Staff there will forward this request along with a copy of your paperwork to a senior manager who will review your case and will write to you to inform you of the outcome of the review.

What can I do if I am still unhappy about your decision?

If you are unhappy with the outcome of the review, you have a right to appeal against this decision. However, you must do this within twenty working days of the date on the letter informing you of the review decision. You can obtain an Appeal Form from your local Customer Service Centre. The completed form should be returned to the Quasi Judicial Office at the Town Hall or to your Customer Service Centre.

A meeting of the Council’s Appeals and Complaints Committee will be held to consider your appeal within twenty working days of receipt of your appeal application. You will be invited to attend the meeting so you can put your case personally, you can be accompanied by a friend or family member, should you wish. You will be informed in writing of the decision of the Appeals Committee.

Application form