Gold Card bus pass for disabled people
If you are living in Derby and have a disability you may be entitled to a free off-peak bus pass, known in Derby and Derbyshire as the 'Gold Card'.
Please note, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is currently no facility to have your photograph taken at the Council House, and residents are encouraged to post or email their completed applications.
What does the Gold Card offer?
- free travel on local buses throughout England between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, all day at weekends and on bank holidays
- discounts at local shops and businesses
- lending from all Derbyshire and Derby City libraries.
There is also a Gold Card available for older people.
Who can apply?
Here are some of the reasons you may apply for a Gold Card:
| Reason for application | Proof we need to see |
|---|---|
| You are blind or partially sighted | Registration card or eye specialist letter |
| You are profoundly or severely deaf | Registration card or audiology clinic report |
| You are without speech | Report from speech and language therapy clinic |
| You have a learning disability | Form stamped and signed by Adult Social Services |
| You have no arms or the loss of use of both arms | Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist report |
| You cannot drive on medical grounds or would be refused a driving licence | Letter from the DVLA - Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, a consultant's report or relevant form signed by the Mental Health Trust. |
| You have a disability or have had a disability injury that affects your ability to walk |
Higher rate mobility part of the Living Allowance notification letter, War Pensions mobility supplementary notification letter, Blue Badge, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist report. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Notification, where the applicant has been awarded at least eight points against either the PIP 'Moving around' and/or 'Communicating verbally' activities. |
How can I apply for a Gold Card?
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is currently no facility to have your photograph taken at the Council House, and residents are also encouraged to post their applications.
You can download an application form and send the completed form, along with a passport-sized photo and copies of your proof of age and address, by email to customerservices@derby.gov.uk or by post to Concessionary Travel, Derby City Council, Council House, Corporation Street, Derby, DE1 2FS.
If you have any questions, please email customerservices@derby.gov.uk, telephone 01332 640000.
You can see a list of discounts available from your local library. Your card will be posted to you within two to three weeks.
A list of discounts is also available on the Derbyshire County Council website. Use the left-hand menu to search by area, product or keyword.
What happens if I lose my card?
There is a £5 charge to replace a lost pass, and you can pay online.
Your replacement card will be posted to you within two to three weeks.
Why is my card not working?
From 1st July 2019, ticket machines on buses throughout Derby and Derbyshire will be able to detect cancelled Gold Cards.
A gold card may have been cancelled because:
- you told the council your card was lost or stolen
- you've had multiple Gold Cards and are not using the most-up-to date card
- your Gold Card has been used fraudulently
- you no longer qualify for free travel.
If your card has not worked the driver may let you travel for free but will advise you to get a new card. If you have a card because of your age, you can apply for a Gold Card online.
How do I renew my Gold Card?
Most Gold Cards are valid for up to five years but many will start to expire in the coming months.
If it's due to expire in the next two months, you can send the completed form, along with a passport size photo and copies of your eligibility by email to customerservices@derby.gov.uk or by post to Derby City Council, Council House, Corporation Street, Derby, DE1 2FS.
Removal of travel concessions on Red Arrow and X38 Bus Services
From 1 July 2017, free travel will no longer be available on the Red Arrow bus service for concessionary card holders. Passengers can continue to travel for free on the following services that run between Derby and Nottingham:
| Service | Journey time | Bus operator |
|---|---|---|
| i4 | 64 - 69 minutes | Trent Barton |
| Indigo | 85 minutes | Trent Barton |