Here you'll find a summary of some travel concessions and travel cards for which blind and partially sighted people could be eligible.

For further information or advice, you can get in touch with our friendly team through the Sight Scotland Support Line: 0800 023 8973

National Entitlement Card

In Scotland, the National Entitlement Card (NEC) gives sight impaired and severely sight impaired travellers free bus travel and free and concessionary standard class travel on transport across Scotland, with concessions on ferries in Scotland only. Some privately owned ferries, premium airport buses and bus tours may not be included.

  • A National Entitlement Card will have an eye symbol on it for sighted impaired or severely sight impaired travellers.
  • If the cardholder cannot travel alone, and they have a card with a +1 sign beside the eye symbol, this indicates concessionary travel for the cardholder plus a travelling companion. The companion element is only available if the user is registered as severely sight impaired or is in receipt of medium or higher rates or care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)/Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance (AA). Not every local authority concessionary travel scheme may provide concessionary travel for a companion as well – you should check with your local authority what their scheme provides.
  • A National Entitlement Card will be valid until a certain date and needs to be replaced when the card date expires.

How to apply for a National Entitlement Card

Local authorities in Scotland issue the National Entitlement Card. To apply for the card, please contact your local authority or contact Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). You will then need to complete an application form. For further information, visit Home | National Entitlement Card

Disabled Persons Railcard

A Disabled Persons Railcard can be used for rail travel in Scotland, England and Wales. The card gives you a third off rail travel fares for you and a travel companion. How to apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard You can apply online or via post by completing the form at disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk or you can pick up a form at a train station.

For further information, visit Disabled Persons Railcard | Official Retailer | National Rail

Blue Badge

The Blue Badge scheme enables Blue Badge holders to park on-street in reserved disabled parking spaces near a venue so that services can be accessed more easily. Though the parking concessions don’t apply to private car parks, some may still have signage indicating concessions for Blue Badge holders. The Blue Badge is valid only when the registered badge holder is travelling. You are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge if you are registered as severely sight impaired and you may be eligible if you are sight impaired. You can also be eligible if you have severe mobility problems or you are in receipt of certain benefits.

How to apply for a Blue Badge in Scotland

In Scotland, Blue Badges are administered by local authorities. Contact your local authority to apply. You can also apply online at Apply for or renew a Blue Badge - mygov.scot

Companion Eligibility

You are eligible to have a companion travel with you for free if you receive one of the qualifying benefits listed below or meet one of the criteria:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Pension Age Disability Payment - lower or higher rate of the care component
  • Disability Living Allowance - higher or middle rate of the care component
  • Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance - middle or higher rate of the care component
  • Child Disability Payment higher or middle rate of the care component
  • Adult Disability Payment - standard or enhanced rate of the daily living component
  • Personal Independence Payment - higher or lower rate of daily living component
  • War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance
  • You live in a care/residential home or hospital and are eligible for one of the qualifying benefits listed above
  • You are severely sight impaired (blind)

For further information, visit Eligibility and Conditions for the 60+ or Disabled Traveller