Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get free bus travel?
Every 5–21 year old living in Scotland can travel for free by bus access free bus travel if they have a valid National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC). If you are 5–15 years old, your parent or guardian will apply for you. If you are 16–21 years old, you should apply for your own NEC or Young Scot NEC. Children under 5 years old do not need an NEC as they can already travel for free on buses.
What to I need to apply for free bus travel?
Before you get started, there are a few documents you need to speed up the application process.
Free bus travel for under 16:
- Sign in or register at mygovscot
- Look out your proof of identity - passport, driving licence, young scot card, biometric residence permit are all accepted or use your Yoti account
- Parent, guardian of carer proof of address - a council tax or bank statement can be used
- Birth certificate for children under 11, passport, young scot card, biometric residence permit
- Proof of child's address if they don't live with you
- Child's birth or adoption certificate
- A recent digital image of the child (if aged 11+) showing head and shoulders
Don't worry if you can't apply online, you can contact your local council for more information on drop in centres for your area.
Free bus travel if you're aged between 16-21 and applying yourself:
- If you already have an active NEC or NEC Young Scot NEC you can activate free travel on your card with the Transport Scot Pass Collect app right away
Or
- Sign in or register at mygovscot
- A recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders
- Proof of passport, driving licence, young scot card, biometric residence permit are all accepted or use your Yoti account
- Proof of address
Remember, to use free bus travel you need to replace your current card with a new one. If you don't have a valid card, you will need to pay your bus fare in the normal way.
I live in Scotland for part of the year. Can I still get free bus travel?
If you live in Scotland for the majority of the year (at least 6 months), then you are eligible. This could be if you study and live in one council area but your family home is in another.
I've got my NEC card with free bus travel, how do I use my card?
When you board the bus, hold your card to the reader at the top of the ticket machine, the bus driver will record your journey. Remember to ask the bus driver if you've any questions and let them know where your travelling to before you remove your card.
Where can I go under the free bus travel scheme?
You can travel anywhere in Scotland on local and long distance bus services, apart from a few exceptions such as premium-fare night buses, city sightseeing buses, some airport transfer services, and some closed school bus contracts. Please check within your area which services are included. If you are travelling to England, you will be able to travel to Carlisle or Berwick-Upon-Tweed, but you cannot travel within these towns.
What should I do if my National Entitlement Card doesn't work on the bus?
We know like any smartcard, your card might become broken or cracked that's why it's important you look after it. If you notice it's damaged, you can apply for a replacement at getyournec.scot or contact your local authority, If your NEC doesn't work on the bus, the scheme rules mean you have to pay your bus fare until your replacement card arrives.
I've lost my card - can I travel for free without it?
No, you can only travel for free with a valid National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC for travel each time you travel by bus, if you don't have your card you will need to pay a fare.
Do I get discounted travel when I'm 22 and over?
Yes! You can buy a student ticket on the Stagecoach Bus App without needing a student ID card or ID number. Once you've bought your ticket, you'll need to add your student details including your name and student ID number before yo can activate the ticket. The name on your ticket must match the name on your student ID. Once all that is sorted you'll need to carry your student ID when travelling.
