Frequently Asked Questions
What is the birthday bus pass offer?
It's a month's free bus travel covering the month your birthday falls in. If you are under 21, you get an extra month free. The offer can only be redeemed with a special birthday bus pass smartcard. This offer is the only one of its kind in the country and will run for 12 months from 1 December 2024.
It's valid on all participating buses across the West of England and North Somerset.
Who can apply?
The offer applies to residents who live in the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset Council areas.
Is it really free bus travel all month?
Yes, it really is free bus travel for a whole month.
The offer has been made possible by funding secured by Mayor Dan Norris and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, in partnership with North Somerset Council.
Do I need to reapply if I signed up last year?
If you signed up last year, you should have been already contacted so that you can be automatically fast tracked this time. Simply click on the link in the email to reapply, no need for a new photo or to complete a new application form, we'll sort it all. If any of your details (e.g. address) have changed, please click the second click in the email to amend your existing application.
Do under-21s get two months free?
Yes, you can really get free bus travel for the whole of the month your birthday is in, plus the following month.
You need to be aged 20 or younger when you apply. So, if you're celebrating your 21st birthday you'll eligible for two months of free travel. Just apply as normal and we'll do the rest.
What area does the birthday bus pass cover?
You can use your birthday bus pass on all eligible routes that start in the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority or North Somerset Council areas:
What buses are included in the offer?
You can use your birthday bus pass on 95% of all services in the area. This includes registered services on First Bus, Stagecoach, Bath Bus Co, Big Lemon, Abus and CT Coaches.
Bristol Park & Ride services operated by Stagecoach are also included.
There are a few services that can't take your birthday bus pass. They include tour buses, school buses, community transport, special event buses or buses with premium fares for part of their routes, such as the A1 and A3 airport flyer services, the A4 (if you're starting or ending at Bristol Airport) and the Stagecoach Falcon. Bath Park & Ride services operated by First Bus are not included (Including the First Bus 31 service).
What can I use my pass for?
Anything you like. You can use your birthday bus pass in as many ways as possible.
Whether it is for commuting to work, visiting family and friends or exploring our region's many treasures - the obvious and the hidden.
In the West of England and across North Somerset, there are many fantastic attractions to visit. Don't forget this year, some are offering extra freebies and discounts to birthday bus pass users. You can find more inspiration for visiting the West of England area, or search for areas within North Somerset on the visit Somerset website to help plan your trips.
Visit the WEST journey planner for timetables and route information.
How and when will I get my pass?
Once you've filled in your application, if everything's in order, your birthday pass will be made and sent to you in the post.
If you apply in plenty of time, you should receive your pass a few days before the start of the month that your birthday falls in. If you apply less than 7 days beforehand, it will be processed as soon as possible, but may arrive after the beginning of your birthday month.
How do I use my card to get free journeys?
You just scan your birthday bus pass on the bus's ticket machine reader. As always, if you have problems, the driver will help you.
When you're booking a WESTlink bus, use the free travel code on the back of the card when you book online, on the app or by phone.
When can I apply?
To enjoy free travel for the whole of your birthday month, you will need to apply at least 7 days before the first day of the month that your birthday falls in.
But if you miss this, you can still get a pass to cover part of it. Apply anytime before the 15th of the month that your birthday falls in, we'll process your application and send out your pass as quickly as possible, and it will cover the remaining days until the end of the month.
And remember, you can apply as soon as you like, even if your birthday is ages away. We'll process your application and send your card out in time to use it at the start of your birthday.
How do I apply?
To create your birthday bus pass, you'll need:
- Address: in the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority area or in North Somerset.
- Identity: a recent digital, passport-style photo that meets the standard photo-pass requirements - just you in the picture, contrasting clearly against a light background and with no 'red-eye'. This can be a selfie.
- Age: If you're 18 or under, you'll need to verify your age, to make sure that the bus operators are reimbursed the correct fares.
- Upload a clear picture of your passport or birth certificate, or if you're over 16, a picture of your driving licence (full or provisional) will also be accepted.
- If you can't upload these, you can get a letter from an authorised professional from a list of recognised professions. They'll need to have known you more than 2 years and confirm your name, address and age.
If you have any problems during your application or can't meet the criteria above, just call 0300 300 0032 and we will help you.
How do I apply on behalf of my child?
Simply follow the online application steps and submit the required information on behalf of your child. You may use your own email address.
If you are unable to provide any recognised identity documents for your child, please follow the alternative evidence guidance.
What if I am unable to apply online?
Because it's a smartcard system, the best way to process the information you send is through online applications. Here are some alternatives if you don't have a smart phone or computer:
- Apply securely online at public internet points such as libraries
- Email our technical support team who will help to submit your application at birthdaybus@talktosam.co.uk
- Post your application information to our technical support team. Simply put “Freepost SWSAL” on an envelope, no postage payment required
- If you need help during your application, or have problems with your card, call 0300 300 0032
Download our paper application.
How long will the scheme run?
The birthday bus pass, giving residents free travel across the region, is the only one of its kind in the country and will run for a 12-month period from 1 December 2024 until 30 November 2025.
So don't delay. Make sure you and everyone you know gets a birthday bus pass.
Lost a card?
If you lose your card, call 0300 300 0032 or email birthdaybus@talktosam.co.uk and a new card will be sent out as quickly as possible, at no cost. Unfortunately, card replacements are unable to be processed after the 15th day of your free birthday month.
Of course, without a pass, you lose free travel days, so keep it safe.
What retail offers and discounts do I get and how do I use them?
Our offers page has all the details of each offer provided by our partners.
