Concessionary Travel (NEC)
National Entitlement Card (Scotland)
(NB: Travel Concessions are only available to residents of Scotland.)
The National Entitlement Card is for
- older people
- people with a disability
- young people
Over 60
New Applications
You can apply for a new over 60s bus pass online on the getyourNEC.Scot (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) website. No application form will be required in this case. Over 60s can also apply for a National Entitlement Card at any Western Isles Post Office.
A Paper application can be provided direct from the Comhairle by contacting us at the email or phone number below, but this will then require an appointment to verify your ID and proof of address.
Replacement Card
Over 60 entitlement cards do not have an expiry date but will be hot listed if reported as lost, stolen, or damaged. If your card stops working, a 7-day pass can be issued by any bus driver. You should then apply for a new card at getyourNEC.Scot or contact us on the number below to request that a replacement card be issued. Lost or Stolen cards must be reported in the same way, but you will be expected to pay a fare until your new card arrives. Both these methods may also be used to update your photo.
Any issues with new or replacement cards for over 60 customers use the contacts below:
Contact
Phone: 01851 822 661 (between 10:00 and 16:00)
Email: freebus@cne-siar.gov.uk
Disabled Persons Card
Initial applications for a card on disabled grounds should be made online on the getyourNEC.Scot (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) website or by contacting the Transport Office using the contact details below.
If your disabled entitlement card is due to expire you can request a new card on the getyourNEC.Scot (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) website or by contacting the Transport Office using the contact details below. Proof of this entitlement will be required to renew. You should make a request no less than 14 days before the expiry date.
If your card displays a '1+' symbol, you are entitled to have a companion travel with you free of charge. Proof of this entitlement will be required to renew.
If a card displays an 'eye' symbol, the card holder is blind or partially sighted and is also entitled to the National Blind Scheme Concessions. Proof of this entitlement will be required to renew.
If your card has expired, you will be expected to pay for bus fares until such time as you receive a new card.
Any issues with new or replacement cards for Disabled customers contact us using the details below.
Contact
Phone: 01851 822 661 (between 10:00 and 16:00)
Email: freebus@cne-siar.gov.uk
Young Persons Card (5 - 10 Years Old)
How to apply young people aged 5 to 10 years old
Young people aged 5 to 10 require the application to be made by their parent or guardian but do not require a photo. Details of how to apply are on the getyourNEC.Scot (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) website. A new web information page (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) is now available to help you apply. All applicants are encouraged to apply using this route but if you are experiencing difficulties, you can contact us on the number below but please be aware this option will take longer for the application to be processed.
Any issues with new or replacement cards for 5 to 10 year old customers contact us using the contact details below.
Contact
Phone: 01851 822 661 (between 10:00 and 16:00)
Email: freebus@cne-siar.gov.uk
Young Persons Card (11-15 Years Old)
How to apply young people aged 11 to 15 years old
If you have a current Young Scot Card, you will still need to apply for a replacement card to access the free bus travel. All applications for young person’s free travel up to the age of 15 must be made by a parent or guardian. See the getyourNEC.Scot (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) website for more information. A new web information page (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) is now available to help you apply. Further guidance is also available on the Comhairle Young Scot Page (Opens in a new window or downloads a file). If you are experiencing difficulties, you can contact us by phone or email using the contacts below but please be aware this option will take longer for the application to be processed.
Any issues with new or replacement cards for 11 to 15 year old customers contact us using the contact details below.
Contact
Phone: 01851 822 661 (between 10:00 and 16:00)
Email: youngscot@cne-siar.gov.uk
Young Persons Card (16-21 Years Old)
How to apply young people aged 16 to 21 years old
If you have a current Young Scot Card you can add the free bus entitlement by downloading an app from the Transport Scotland (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) website. New applications for young person’s 16 to 21 are done by the person applying on the getyourNEC.Scot (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) website. A new web information page (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) is now available to help you apply.
Further guidance is also available on the Comhairle Young Scot Page (Opens in a new window or downloads a file). If you are experiencing difficulties, you can contact us by phone or email using the contacts below but please be aware this option will take longer for the application to be processed.
Any issues with new or replacement cards for 16 to 21 year old customers contact us using the contact details below.
Contact
Phone: 01851 822 661 (between 10:00 and 16:00)
Email: youngscot@cne-siar.gov.uk
Young Scot Card
The Young Scot Card also offers other benefits including Ferry concessions for 16 to 18 year olds and a range of discounts in shops, restaurants and the use of local authority services. For further information visit the National Young Scot website or our Young Scot webpage
For more detailed information about concessionary travel, including the National Entitlement Card and Young Person's schemes, please visit the Transport Scotlandwebsite.
If an entitlement card does not display a 'C' symbol, or Young Person (YP) branding, no bus fare concession will be offered.
The National Entitlement Card
If your card displays a 'C' symbol, you are entitled to Scotland-wide free bus travel. Only cards displaying the 'C' are valid for free bus travel.
If your card displays a '1+' symbol, you are entitled to have a companion travel with you free of charge.
If a card displays an 'eye' symbol, the card holder is blind or partially sighted and is also entitled to the National Blind Scheme Concessions.