Due to COVID-19 and the current travel restrictions in place, Transport Scotland’s card production bureau who produce the National Entitlement Cards (bus passes) closed on Friday 27 March until further notice.
This means that no new or replacement cards will be issued from this date and until the production bureau reopens.
The UK and Scottish Government advice is for people to stay at home and not travel unnecessarily, however we understand that some people may have essential travel requirements and have therefore made temporary provisions with the bus industry, where someone has an essential need to travel but has been unable to obtain a card due to this closure, that they explain their circumstances and the driver will allow them to travel.
If you have a valid card which does not register on the ticket machine, during this time you should not exchange your card with the driver for a 7 day temporary pass, as you will be unable to obtain a replacement card within those 7 days. The driver will allow you to travel whilst retaining your card.
If your card has recently expired and you have been unable to get a replacement, please show your expired card to the driver. The driver will let you travel.
If you have lost your card please explain to the driver that you have been unable to obtain a replacement card due to the closure of local authority offices and the card production bureau. The driver should allow you to travel.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause however we appreciate your understanding and co-operation during this challenging time.
If you have any questions or concerns these can be addressed by emailing us at concessionarytravel@transport.gov.scot