MyEDC

    National Entitlement Card

    The National Entitlement Card is a smartcard scheme run as a partnership between the Scottish Government, Scotland's local councils and others.

    This card allows free bus travel to those who are eligible.

    People who live in the area covered by the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme are also able to use their card to get cheaper fares on First ScotRail trains and the Glasgow Subway.

    Visit the National Entitlement Card website.

    Older people 60+ and people with a disability

    If you are over 60 or have a disability you are entitled to free bus travel in Scotland.

    HOW TO APPLY

    Step by step videos showing you how to apply are available:

    How to apply for 60+ concessionary travel

    How to apply for disabled concessionary travel

    There are a number of ways to apply for the free bus travel scheme:

    • GETYOURNEC.SCOT
    • Your nearest Post Office
    • If you already have a MyAccount, you can log into it and apply through it
    • For those who cannot apply online, we can help you to complete the application form by appointment at any of our Community Hubs.

    Please note revised opening times are currently in place at our Community Hubs. For further information call 0300 123 4510.

    Additional information on what information you’ll need for your application is available at SPT Concession.

    Young person’s free bus travel scheme

    Read on for further information and to find out all the ways to apply for free travel.

    • 5-16 year olds will need to apply for a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) even if they already have one. 
    • If you’re aged between 16 and 21 and already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC, you can download free bus travel onto your existing card using the Transport Scot Pass Collect app. However, you will need to request a replacement card if any of the information (including photograph) needs updated or changed.

    *Please note, active cards are those received since 2016. They will have a long number next to the ITSO logo and if there’s a date of birth shown, it will be highlighted with a pink strip. 

    Parents or Guardians must provide approval for children aged 5-15 to access the scheme by applying on their behalf, whereas 16-21 year olds can apply themselves.

    How to apply

    Step by step videos showing you how to apply are available:

    How to apply for Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel on behalf of your child

    How to apply for Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel on behalf of your child under 16 who already has a car 

    How to apply for Young Persons Free Bus Travel if you’re over 16

    There are a number of ways to apply for the free bus travel scheme:

    • GETYOURNEC.SCOY
    • Parentsportal.scot (if this is available in your child’s school and they are aged 5-11)
    • Transport Scot Pass Collect App if you’re aged 16 to 21 and already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC
    • For those who cannot apply online, we can help you to complete the application form by appointment at any of our Community Hubs. Please note revised opening times are currently in place at our Community Hubs. For further information use the enquiry form below or call 0300 123 4510.

     *Please note, only a few services such as premium-fare night buses and City Sightseeing buses will not accept the cards – please contact the bus company before you travel if you are unsure.

    Other useful links:

    Apply Online

    All 5-21 year olds living in Scotland are now eligible for free bus travel in any part of Scotland.

    Freebus.scot

    NEC enquiry form

    If for any reason you cannot apply online please continue use this enquiry form.

    Submit an NEC enquiry

    Useful links

    Related pages