What is a Diamond Travelcard?
Diamond Travelcards are bus passes that we issue to people
living in North Somerset who are of an eligible age or have a
qualifying disability. The pass allows you to travel for free on
local buses anywhere in England.
Can I have a Diamond
Travelcard?
If you are of pensionable age (see the
changes
to eligibility page) or have a disability that meets our
criteria you can apply for a Diamond Travelcard.
Where can I get a Diamond Travelcard
from?
Complete an application form and send it to our
Diamond
Travelcard team, or drop it off at your
local
library, the
Town
Hall in Weston-super-Mare or
Castlewood
in Clevedon. You can also
apply
online for 60+ Diamond Travelcards. We will post
your Diamond Travelcard out to you.
What will I need to get a Diamond
Travelcard?
A completed application form, evidence of residency in North
Somerset (for example a utility bill), a passport sized photograph
and proof of eligibility - either proof of age or your
disability.
If you are applying online you will only need a digital
photograph (jpeg) or connection to a webcam. Your age and residence
will be checked through Experian.
Where can I get an application
form?
From any council office, your
local
library, by calling 01934 426 426, or by post from: Diamond
Travelcard Office, Somerset House, Oxford Street,
Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1TG.
Where can I use my Diamond
Travelcard?
You can use your Diamond Travelcard on a local bus anywhere in
England. Diamond Travelcard holders who are at least 60 can apply
for a senior
railcard which saves users up to a third off the price of
standard rail fares. Please note that Diamond Travelcards can not
be used on trains.
When can I use my Diamond
Travelcard?
Passholders can travel on local buses for free between 9.30am
and 11pm Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and bank
holidays. If your journey starts in North Somerset, Bristol, South
Gloucestershire or Bath and North East Somerset then you can travel
between 9am and 4am Monday to Friday.
What about Scotland and
Wales?
Scotland and Wales have their own concessionary travel schemes
and currently you can not use your Diamond Travelcard on bus
services outside of England. However, you will be able to travel on
direct buses between Bristol/South Gloucestershire and
Chepstow/Newport, or places in between.
Can I use my pass on National Express
coaches, Park and Ride buses and open top tours?
Passes can only be used on locally registered bus services. This
excludes most long distance coaches. However,
National
Express Coaches offer discounted travel to anyone over 60.
You can use your travelcard on some Park and Ride services,
including the Long Ashton Park and Ride. If travelling outside
of North Somerset, please check with the local Park and Ride
operator.
Open top buses in Weston-super-Mare can be used free of charge,
but different rules will apply elsewhere. Open top tours in Bath
and Bristol are excluded from the scheme.
How will the bus operators be reimbursed
for the free travel taken by Diamond Travelcard
holders?
Bus operators will be reimbursed by the council a standard
amount for each passenger boarding a bus in their area.
How long does a Diamond Travelcard
last?
They last between one and five years. Your expiry date
will probably be the same as your birthday. You will be
sent a reminder letter a few weeks before pass is due for
renewal.
What if I lose my Diamond
Travelcard?
There will be a charge of £8 to cover the costs of issuing a new
Diamond Travelcard. However, if your old pass turns up, please
return it to: Diamond Travelcard Office, Somerset House, Oxford
Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1TG.
