Five-week warning to people under the age of 60 using National Entitlement Card for free travel

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) provides access to many public services across Scotland and gives elderly and disabled people free bus travel across the country. Through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, it also provides reductions on train, Subway and ferry fares.

If you are 60 or over, the card won't have an expiry date on it and is valid for life, providing you continue to live in Scotland. However, for others - including disabled people - it may only be valid for up to three years and due to a change in the renewal process, some users may not know that SPT no longer sends out renewal forms to disabled card holders.

This means everyone with a card - sometimes referred to as a ‘Saltire card’ - should check the expiry date to make sure they will be able to enjoy uninterrupted entitlement to travel concessions as SPT recommends applying for a renewal at least five weeks before the expiry date. This is to allow 10 working days for a new card to be issued to ensure the card arrives before the old one expires.

It’s also important to be aware that guidance on the SPT website states that the Concessionary Travel Card Unit at Buchanan Bus Station is open by appointment only - full details can be found here.

SPT guidance states: “SPT no longer sends renewal forms to card holders. Please provide an acceptable proof of eligibility document at least five weeks before the card expires to allow for processing and a new card to be issued. SPT cannot be held liable for gaps in entitlement.”

You can renew your disabled NEC online at getyournec.scot if you have a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera or webcam.

SPT supports the administration of the elderly (60+) and disabled concessionary travel schemes only. If you have a Young Persons' (Under 22) Free Bus Travel card, visit freebus.scot for more information.

How to renew your disabled NEC

Proof of eligibility is required to issue a new disabled NEC. For more information on the qualifying criteria and acceptable proof of eligibility documents for a disabled NEC please see the Transport Scotland website here.

You can renew your disabled NEC online at getyournec.scot if you have a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera or webcam.

Alternatively, if you are unable to complete the renewal process online using getyournec.scot, SPT will accept a photographed / scanned copy of your proof of eligibility document by email or post to the details below:

• Email: freebus@spt.co.uk

• Post: Concessionary Travel, 10 Killermont Street, Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow, G2 3NW

You need to quote the cardholder’s name, disabled NEC card number, date of birth and full address on any emails or postal correspondence.

There is also a video explaining how to apply for a new NEC or renew an existing card on the geetyournec.scot website here.