Health and Welfare

Travel Card Scheme

The Highland Council

Free Travel In Highland

Answer: It's a concessionary travel scheme run by Highland Council and is free from 30 September 2002.  

Q. What free services does it entitle the holder to?

Answer:

• free bus services for all journeys both starting and finishing within the Highland Council area.
• free ferry services between the following: Camusnagual-Fort William; Mallaig - Armadale; Mallaig  - Small isles; Cape Wrath ferry; Mallaig - Loch Nevis; Raasay - Sconser.
• Other half-fare services are also eligible, for more details see the leaflet available at your local Post Office, Library or Council Service Point. 

Q. Who can apply for a travel card?

Answer:  You can apply if you are a resident of Highland Council area and:

1. you are a woman aged 60 or over OR
2. you are a man aged 65 or over (from 1 April 2003 men aged 60 or over) OR
3. you are profoundly deaf OR
4. you are or would be disqualified from holding a driving licence on medical grounds (e.g. due to a neurological condition including epilepsy) OR
5. you have a permanent disability which seriously impairs your ability to walk OR
6. you suffer from a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984.

Companion Card

If you need help when travelling by public transport you may be eligible for a Companion Card entitling your travelling companion to travel at half fare.  Ask for details at your local Social Work Office.  Your local Social Work Office will be able to advise you if you have any queries about those aspects of the scheme.

Q. How do I apply for a card?

Answer: Available free of charge at 

• Post office, sub-post office, Library or Service Point in Highland Council area.

Q. What do I need to apply?

• proof that you are resident in Highland
• a recent passport size photograph
• either proof of age (if applying as a senior citizen) or a certificate of eligibility from your local Social Work Office (if applying under categories 3, 4, 5 or 6)

The card is valid for five years from the date of issue.