Concessionary Travel
A Sussex Countycard is a free bus pass entitling anyone of eligible age to free travel on all registered bus journeys nationwide. All cards are issued by Mid Sussex District Council and can be used after 9.30am Monday to Friday and at any time during weekends and on Bank Holidays.
As from 6th April 2010 the state pensionable age for women is to gradually increase from 60 - 65 over the 10 year period from 2010 to 2020, so to will the qualifying age for a concessionary bus pass for both men and women.
The age of eligibility for a bus pass is scheduled to rise by 2 months every 1 month. This means the earliest date on which you can apply for a bus pass will depend on what month you were born and will not fall on your birthday.
These changes do not affect anyone already in possession of a bus pass, only those due to turn 60 on or after 6th April 2010.
If you are eligible and wish to obtain a free bus pass, please call into the Help Point with the following original documentation:
• Proof of age (i.e. passport, driving licence).
• Proof of address (i.e. Burgess Hill resident and pay your Council Tax to Mid Sussex District Council)
• A passport size photograph (which gets scanned onto the bus pass).
*Please note we need to see the original documentation, copies will not be accepted*.
The Help Point staff will complete an application form, check your ID documentation and post the application form and photograph to the District Council. The bus pass will be posted direct to you and is renewed annually by post.
All new applicants who are unable to use public transport without the aid of a companion will need to provide proof of their disability e.g. a signed Doctors letter or proof that they are in receipt of a relevant benefit.
* Some residents who live in Burgess Hill pay their Council Tax to Lewes District Council and will therefore need to contact them at the following website www.lewes.gov.uk for a Concessionary Bus Pass.
Lost Bus Passes – a replacement pass can be issued by Mid Sussex District Council via the Help Point at a charge of £5. If your pass was stolen a replacement will be provided free on production of a crime reference number.
Senior Citizens Concessionary Rail Travel
Concessionary rail travel is available from Mid Sussex District Council to anyone of eligible age.
If you are a Burgess Hill resident and pay your Council Tax to Mid Sussex District Council you can apply for a Senior Citizens' Rail Pass at the Help Point. It will cost £23.80 instead of the normal charge of £28.00 from the railway station. You will be required to show proof of age and proof of residency. Staff will give you an Exchange Order which will need to be taken to the railway station who will issue you with the actual rail pass. For further details visit www.midsussex.gov.uk.
Lost Concessionary Rail Cards – provided the stamped receipt attached to the senior railcard application has been kept, a replacement pass can be issued by the railway station at a charge of £5.
Disabled Railcard
A Disabled Persons Railcard entitles you and a companion to reduced price rail travel. The card costs, for Burgess Hill residents, £8.60 for the year and is subsidised by Burgess Hill Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council.
To apply for the Disabled Person’s Railcard please call into the Help Point to pick up an application form or email helppoint@burgesshill.gov.uk and a copy will be posted to you.
Taxi Vouchers
Taxi vouchers are available to residents instead of a Sussex Countycard Bus Pass to assist people who cannot physically use other forms of public transport. Applicants need to complete an application form and obtain their doctors signature and practice stamp.
One or more vouchers may be used for up to half the fare with participating taxi companies. There is no charge for a book of 30 x £1.00 vouchers. Only one book is available per eligible resident in any twelve month period from the date of issue.
To obtain the taxi vouchers you will need to provide proof of residency, proof of age or disability and a passport size photograph. Application forms are available at the Help Point or contact Mid Sussex District Council on 01444 477304, email ConcessionaryTravel@midsussex.gov.uk.