Travel passes we issue in East Sussex
East Sussex County Council issue several types of passes to enable travel in our borders and conditions of use apply for these passes.
Any pass we issue will have the East Sussex County Council logo.
All passes remain the property of East Sussex County Council and are issued to those eligible to receive them.
These are the types of bus pass we issue:
- The education Freedom Pass (not to be confused with the Transport for London Freedom Pass)
- The education Travel Permit (for travel on our hired coaches)
- English National Concessionary Travel Scheme bus pass.
Lost or damaged passes
Replacements are charged at £10. Go to Replacement passes if you have lost or damaged your bus pass.
Validity
The Freedom pass:
- It is a smart card which will scan on most buses in East Sussex. Please show the pass to your driver before trying to scan the card.
- Gives the bus pass holder term time travel on nearly every bus in East Sussex for seven days in a row, including weekends. Please always contact the bus operator before travelling to ensure they accept the Freedom Pass.
- is only issued to children eligible for free school transport. Please see Who qualifies for free school transport for information on eligibility.
- valid dates of use are:
- between the 'Valid from' and 'Valid to' dates printed on the card
- and during normal school term times for the school you are attending.
Travel outside term time can be made by buying a paper Freedom Ticket on the buses. See our bus travel discounts page for discounted tickets outside term times.
Terms of use
- The pass is not transferable and is only for use by the bus pass holder.
- The pass is valid for travel on bus services for journeys permitted within the scheme as notified. These services may be subject to change at any time.
- The pass must be shown to the driver at the time of travel to obtain the concession, and any authorised official on demand. Failure to do so may result in the appropriate full fare being charged. The right is reserved to seek confirmation of the holder’s identity.
- The pass remains the property of the issuing authority. The permit should be surrendered should the holder become ineligible or no longer requires it.
- It is your responsibility to look after your bus pass. If lost, stolen or damaged, please report it to the issuing authority immediately. A non-refundable charge will apply for a replacement.
- The bus pass does not guarantee your travel and the conditions of carriage of the bus operator will apply.
- If your bus pass is suspected of being used fraudulently, for example by a different person from the person to whom it was issued, your pass may be confiscated by the bus driver and you may lose your right to a replacement.
- If your bus pass is not able to be read electronically it must be returned to the issuer. If it is found to be damaged a charge may be made for its replacement.
- It is your responsibility to notify the issuing authority of any changes to your home address. Failure to do so may result in your pass not being renewed and a delay before you receive a new one.
- Prove your age
- If you are travelling to school wearing a school uniform proof of age is highly recommended for older children but may not be required by the driver.
- If you are over 16 you should have proof of age to present with your Freedom Pass.
- If you need proof of age, under 19s can apply for a 3i-D card and download the East Sussex Age Verification App.
Lost or damaged passes
Replacements are charged at £10. Go to Replacement passes if you have lost or damaged your bus pass.
Validity
The travel permit is:
- valid for the coach and school indicated on the card. The card has a colour band and a route number in the top corner confirming which vehicle it should be used on.
- valid during term time and only on the days the school is open.
- only issued to children:
- who are eligible for free school transport, please see Who qualifies for free school transport for information on eligibility, or
- where a seat has been purchased as part of the Vacant Seat Scheme.
Terms of use
- The pass is not transferable and is only for use by the pass holder.
- The pass is valid for travel on the coach indicated on the pass only.
- The pass must be shown to the driver at the time of travel.
- The pass remains the property of the issuing authority. The permit should be surrendered should the holder become ineligible or no longer requires it.
- It is your responsibility to look after your bus pass. If lost, stolen or damaged, please report it to the issuing authority immediately. A non-refundable charge will apply for a replacement.
- The pass does not guarantee your travel and the conditions of carriage of the transport operator will still apply.
- If your pass is suspected of being used fraudulently, for example by a different person from the person to whom it was issued, your pass may be confiscated by the driver and you may lose your right to a replacement.
- If your pass is not able to be visually checked it must be returned to the issuer. If it is found to be damaged a charge may be made for its replacement.
- It is your responsibility to notify the issuing authority of any changes to your home address. Failure to do so may result in your pass not being renewed and a delay before you receive a new one.
- Proof of age is recommended for older children, under 19s can apply for a 3i-D card and download the East Sussex Age Verification App.
