From 17th April, eligible disabled Gold Card holders will qualify for a companion pass, allowing another person to travel with them for free for journeys starting within Derbyshire (excluding City of Derby)

This has been made possible thanks to £47m in Bus Service Improvement funding from the Government.

Derbyshire County Council’s Gold Card currently allows the card-holder to travel free on local buses throughout England from 9.30am up to 11pm weekdays, and at any time during weekends and on bank holidays.

Gold Card holders can also travel free-of-charge anytime on Derbyshire Connect Dial-a-Bus ‘shopping’ buses and Derbyshire on Demand service.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Barry Lewis, says: “We’re pleased to be able to offer a companion pass to those that need some extra help to travel. It’s really important that transport is accessible to as many people as possible, and offering a free travel card that allows a companion or carer to travel with those that need it is a positive step towards this.’ 

To qualify for a Gold Card, people need to be either over the state retirement age, which is currently 66, or regardless of age have a disability from a list drawn up by the Government.  This includes people who are:   

  • Blind or partially sighted
  • Profoundly or severely deaf
  • Without speech
  • Without arms or have a long-term loss of the use of both arms
  • Have a long-term disability which seriously impairs their ability to walk – this may include Blue Badge holders
  • Have a learning disability
  • Are disqualified from driving on medical grounds (this may include people with a severe mental disorder)

To qualify for a Disabled plus Companion Gold Card card holders need to provide the following information: which are as follows:

  • Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) stating that you are blind,
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award letter confirming that you receive 12 points for the ‘moving around’ activity,
  • letter from a medical professional confirming the details and severity of your walking or learning disability,
  • an education health and care plan (EHCP) – must confirm type and severity of learning or walking disability.

The application process for Disabled and Disabled plus Companion Gold Cards is exactly the same and if you meet the enhanced criteria, you will be automatically issued with a Disabled plus Companion Gold Card. If you already have a Disabled card and believe you qualify for a companion pass then please contact your local borough or district council.

Roads Minister Guy Opperman said:

“Local people deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. I’m delighted to have worked alongside the local council and local MPs to give Derbyshire County Council over £47 million to boost its bus services.         

Allowing a disabled passenger and Gold Card holder to travel with another person for free will help passengers with a disability make the most of local bus services, get around easily and travel with greater peace of mind.”

For further details on the Gold Card, including a full list of criteria and how to apply, please visit Gold Card – Derbyshire County Council