Renfrewshire Council

National Entitlement Card (NEC) for people with disabilities

If you have a registered disability and meet the eligibility criteria, you are entitled to free bus travel in Scotland and reduced fares on coaches, trains and the Subway in the Strathclyde area.

If you have a registered disability and meet the eligibility criteria, you are entitled to free bus travel in Scotland and reduced fares on coaches, trains and the Subway in the Strathclyde area. 

If you need a companion to help you use public transport, your National Entitlement Card (NEC) will also allow them to travel for free with you if you meet eligibility criteria.  

From 1 April 2021 children under the age of five, with a disability, can access free bus travel using the National Entitlement Card (NEC). Their accompanying companion can also travel free with them. 

See the eligibility criteria on the Transport Scotland website.

You can also use your NEC for library membership or leisure centre membership.

Apply online for your card

You can apply online for your NEC on the getyournec.scot website. 

You will need to provide proof of your identity, address, and a photo of yourself when you apply online, so we can confirm your details. 

See what you can use as proof of your identity and address on the Transport Scotland website.

You can use a device, like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone to take a digital photo and upload it with your application.

Other ways to apply for your card

At the moment, it's not possible to apply in person at your local social work office or at the council's Customer Services Centre.

You can download an application form (PDF) from the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) website.

You'll need to complete the form and include:

  • a recent passport size photograph
  • proof of age
  • proof of disability entitlement
  • proof of your current address.

You can send a copy of your disability entitlement letter or a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) as proof of your disability entitlement. 

See the National Entitlement Card (NEC) website for a list of acceptable proofs for identity, photographs and address

Send your application form to SPT by email at freebus@spt.co.uk or by post to:

Concessionary Travel Card Unit
Buchanan Bus Station
10 Killermont Street
Glasgow
G2 3NW 

You can also get an application form sent to you if you call

  • Renfrewshire Council on 0300 300 0300 and select option 5, then option 1
  • the SPT Concessionary Travel Card office on 0141 333 3211.

You should check the SPT website for updates before going to the SPT Concessionary Travel Card desk at Buchanan Bus Station, as it may be closed due to coronavirus protection measures.

It normally takes up to 4 weeks from when we receive your application by post to when you get your card.

Change, replace or renew your card

You can also change, replace or renew your card online if:

  • your card is lost, damaged or stolen
  • you need to change the photo on your card
  • your address has changed.

You'll need your 16-digit card number to change or replace your card online. If you don't know the number on your card, you should apply for a new card online or get an application form from your local post office. 

You can also contact SPT's Concessionary Travel Unit on 0141 333 3211 or email freebus@spt.org.uk if you need to change, replace or renew your card. 

If your card has expired or is due to expire, you should apply at least five weeks before your card expires for SPT to provide you with a new card. 

There are more details about renewing your NEC on the SPT website.