People seeking asylum

People who are seeking asylum and live in Scotland can apply for free bus travel through this pilot scheme. The scheme is accessed using a National Entitlement Card (NEC).

The scheme is temporary and will run until 31 March 2026. But funding for the scheme is limited and so it may finish early. If this happens, we will write to cardholders and update advice on this webpage.

If this information is required in a language other than English, please see the contacts and resources section.

If you are seeking asylum and live in Scotland you are eligible to apply for free bus travel. 

If you are under 22, aged 60 or over, or have a qualifying disability, and live in Scotland, you are eligible for the existing statutory schemes, which will allow you free bus travel until you become 22 years old (for the Young Persons Scheme) or indefinitely once you reach the age of 60 (for the Older and Disabled Persons Scheme).

You can apply directly through your local council. They will provide support and assist you in completing an application. Transport Scotland cannot provide or send out application forms.

Some local authorities may work with the third sector or other organisations to verify applications.

You should allow at least two weeks to receive your card. If this will take longer, your local council will tell you about this when you apply.

Proofs and information

To apply for the pilot scheme, you need to show proof of your asylum status.
You can use one of the following documents:

• Application Registration Card (ARC)
• BAIL201 form

You will also need to provide:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your date of birth
• A clear photo of your face (digital or print)

Getting your card

Your card will be sent to the address you give in your application.

Please check that your photo and details on your card are correct and a true likeness of your appearance. If any details are incorrect, please contact your local council to let them know.

If your new card is a replacement, you should start using it straight away and destroy any old cards you have as these will not work on the bus.

Contact your local council to apply for a replacement card if:

• your card is lost, stolen or damaged
• your card did not work when you used the ticket machine
• you want to change your name, address or photo

If you move to a different council area you must also tell your new council.

You should allow at least two weeks to receive your card. If this will take longer, your local council will tell you about this when you apply.

Using your card is easy. Just make sure you have it with you and then when you get on the bus, tell the bus driver where you are going, show them your card (including photo), and tap it on the electronic card reader to use it. You do not need to tap your card when getting off of the bus.

This video shows you how to use your NEC on the bus. To view subtitles in different languages, click the settings icon on the video player and select your preferred subtitle language.

You should not give your card to anyone else. If you have replaced your card, don’t use any old cards on the bus as they will not work.

If your card does not work on the ticket machine, you will be asked to pay for your bus travel. You will also have to apply for a replacement card.

Where can I travel?

Your National Entitlement Card gives you free travel throughout Scotland on local registered and long-distance scheduled bus services. It is not valid on premium night buses, tours/excursions, and group hire services.

Check which operators you can travel with. You should contact the transport operator before travelling if you have any questions.

Your card is not valid for travel outside of Scotland. However, you can use it on services to and from Carlisle and on services to and from Berwick-upon-Tweed from anywhere in Scotland. Please note that your card is not valid for travel within these towns.

Tickets

Bus operators are not required to issue paper tickets to those using a NEC. It is up to each bus operator to decide whether they want to issue them.

Booking in advance

Some services allow you to book tickets and/or seats in advance. It is possible to book in advance with a NEC but you may have to pay a booking fee which will not be covered by your card. Remember to check with the bus operator if your tickets need to be collected before you make your journey.

The scheme is temporary. It is planned to run until 31 March 2026 but funding is limited and so it may end early. Expiry dates will not be printed on the cards.

If the scheme is expected to end before 31 March 2026, you will receive a letter in advance confirming when your entitlement will end. To ensure you receive this important information, please make sure your address details are up to date.

Transport Scotland will also share this information on this webpage, and with third sector partners and other relevant organisations.

Transport Scotland manages the policy and some parts of the delivery of the National Concessionary Travel schemes (such as reimbursing bus operators for travel).

Local councils manage all applications for the pilot scheme.

General enquiries

For general information on the concessionary travel scheme contact Transport Scotland using the details below:

Concessionary Travel and Integrated Ticketing
Transport Scotland
177 Bothwell Street
Glasgow
G2 7ER

concessionarytravel@transport.gov.scot

Applying or replacing your card

Contact your council for help applying for a card or to ask for a replacement.

Bus operators

If you have any questions about individual bus routes, services or journeys please contact the bus operator directly.

Applicant and cardholder guidance

Guidance for applicants and cardholders is available to download and print in multiple languages:

Stakeholder guidance

Our stakeholder guidance provides information for key stakeholders and organisations to assist in their communications about the pilot scheme.

The Concessionary Travel and Smart Ticketing Privacy Policy outlines how we use, store and share the personal information we hold about you in connection with our National Concessionary Travel Schemes.