If you have an older person’s concessionary bus passes issued by Portsmouth City Council for journeys starting in the city, you can access the free service from 9am until 2am, Monday to Friday, and all day on weekends and public holidays.
The older person’s bus pass is available to those who have reached the state pension age. You can check if you are eligible by using the state pension calculator.
Outside of Portsmouth, the pass is applicable for free travel anywhere in England between 9.30am – 11pm, Monday – Friday, and all day at weekends and on public holidays, as part of the English National Travel Concessionary Scheme.
Extended concession hours for hospital appointments
As part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), people with Portsmouth City Council-issued older person bus passes can travel before 9am for journeys starting in Portsmouth with proof of a medical appointment at either Queen Alexandra Hospital or St Mary’s Community Health Campus.
Eligible bus pass holders must produce evidence of a hospital appointment by showing a printed appointment letter, text message, or email confirmation to the bus driver.
This decision was made following a successful trial of free early morning journeys. During the trial, over 1800 older people benefitted from free journeys to reach Queen Alexandra Hospital or St Mary’s Community Health Campus before 9am.
