Devon and Torbay Companion Pass

The Devon and Torbay Companion Pass allows you and one companion to travel for free on busses in the Devon County Council and Torbay Council areas.

You must apply with us if you live in Torbay. If you live in the Devon County Council area, please apply on Devon County Council's Companion Pass website.

Who can apply for a Companion Pass

You can apply for a Companion Pass if you:

• live in Torbay
• already have a National Bus Pass 
• are of secondary school age or over
• have a serious disability which makes it difficult for you to use the bus alone.

Trainers who are part of the Independent Travel Training scheme do not need a Companion Pass.

Your companion

With the Companion Pass, you and one person helping you travel can travel for free. You companion must be:

• a suitable adult or
• a registered young carer

Your companion can only travel for free if they are travelling together with you. You don't always have to travel with the same person. Your companion can be a different person each time you travel.

Before you apply

You need to tell us your National Bus Pass number (ISRN number). This is the long number found on the front of your bus pass.

You also need to provide proof of your disability. This can be one of the following:

• Disability Living Allowance with the higher rate mobility component together with the higher rate care component.
• A letter on headed paper from a medical professional confirming a medical condition that prevents you from travelling alone. This can include, for example uncontrolled epilepsy or a severe mental disorder.
• A letter from Torbay Council’s Children’s or Adult Services confirming that you are:
  
  • registered as blind or
  • registered with a learning disability and unable to travel alone.
• A war pension with a mobility supplement award letter.
• Personal Independence Payment scoring the following points in at least 2 of the following activities:
  
  • 8 points for ‘moving around’
  • 10 or 12 points for ‘planning and following a journey’
  • 8 points for ‘communicating’
  • 8 points for ‘reading’
  • 8 points for ‘mixing with other people’

If you have an older person's pass, you may be able to get companion pass. You must provide evidence of your disability as listed above.

Apply for a Companion Bus Pass

Once you have gathered all your documents, you can apply using our online form.

Alternatively, you can also download a paper form.

What happens next

We will check your application. 

If we need any more information we will contact you using the contact details provided on your application.

We will send your pass directly to your home address. It usually takes around 21 days to arrive.