Concession Tickets

Older People and Registered Disabled Concessionary Bus Travel 

Hedingham and Chambers offers free travel for concessionary bus pass holders in accordance with the national scheme. If you hold an English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) pass, or you hold a disabled concessionary travel pass you're entitled to travel on any Hedingham and Chambers route for free at certain times. Free travel is available on weekdays after 9am in Essex, and 9:30am in Suffolk, as well as all day on weekends and bank holidays. 

From the 1st January 2025, concessionary pass holders can buy a discounted adult ticket, which will cost NO MORE than £2.50. Ask the driver as you board the bus and pay with cash or contactless card. 

To use your concessionary pass on Hedingham and Chambers, simply place your concession pass on the card reader as you board the bus, you will hear a beep and a green light will be displayed. No ticket is issued.

Important: Make sure your pass is valid and in date. The scheme covers older persons' bus passes as well as disabled persons' bus passes, allowing individuals across England access to affordable public transport.

What Can You Use the Bus For?

One of the great benefits of having a concessionary bus pass is the freedom it gives you to travel without the worry of fuel and parking costs. Here are some ideas of things to use the bus for:

• Shopping Trips: Whether you're heading to a local supermarket or an out of town retail park, your bus pass allows you to access a wide variety of stores without worrying about transportation costs. This is especially useful for those who prefer not to drive or want to avoid the hassle of parking.
• Leisure Activities: If you're planning a day out, your pass makes it easy to visit local attractions, such as museums, parks, and recreational centres. Many concessionary pass holders use buses for trips to the cinema, a meal out, or a visit to the seaside.
• Health Appointments: Regular medical appointments, whether at a GP surgery, hospital, or health clinic, are another common reason for travel. The convenience of free travel allows pass holders to attend these appointments without worrying about transport costs.
• Social Visits: Staying connected with friends and family is important, and your concessionary bus pass allows you to make regular visits to loved ones, whether they're in a neighbouring village or further afield.
• Community Events: Local fairs, markets, or other community gatherings are a great way to stay involved and connected to your area. With your bus pass, you can participate in these events without worrying about how to get there.
• Volunteering: Some concessionary pass holders use their passes for commuting to volunteer. Since many volunteer shifts start after 9:30am the concessionary travel scheme offers an ideal way to support the community without incurring travel expenses. Looking for a volunteering opportunity? We periodically run a community event called Chatty Bus, where people can hop on the bus and talk to volunteers. If you'd like to find out more or become a volunteer, please click here.

Check out our video for even more ideas

Click here for more information on Great Days Out By Bus.

Did you know: if you're travelling with children under 5, their travel is free! Perfect for taking the grandkids for a Great Day Out By Bus!

Accessibility and Support

Hedingham and Chambers services are designed with accessibility in mind. All of our buses are equipped with low floors and designated spaces for wheelchairs, ensuring that passengers with mobility needs can board and travel comfortably. As with all Hedingham and Chambers passengers, concessionary pass holders can bring along their dog on any of our buses for no additional charge.

Click here for ideas on places to take you dog across our network.

For those who are unfamiliar with certain routes or may need assistance while travelling, Hedingham and Chambers drivers are available to provide help. Whether it’s advice on routes or assistance with boarding, our drivers are trained to ensure all passengers can travel safely and comfortably. In addition, our drivers are Dementia Friends, and fully trained to support those travelling with additional needs.

Planning Your Journey

Hedingham and Chambers operates a wide range of routes that connect towns, cities, and rural areas across Suffolk and Essex. Whether you need to travel locally or further afield, Hedingham and Chambers is a reliable option. Pass holders can plan their journeys using the Hedingham and Chambers website or mobile app, which provides real-time bus updates, route information, and details of any changes or delays. You can also pickup timetables on our buses, or from select libraries and local tourist information hubs.

We are in the process of making our buses more accessible by installing audio-visual equipment to aid passengers with visual impairments. This process is ongoing, and we are on target to complete this across our entire fleet by October 2026 in line with Government deadlines.

Additionally, for more complex journeys that may require transferring between different bus operators, it’s helpful to know that your concessionary bus pass is valid across all bus companies in England, not just Hedingham and Chambers. This allows for flexible and seamless travel across the wider public transport network.

Hedingham and Chambers provides a valuable service for concessionary bus pass holders, offering free travel that opens up a world of possibilities. From everyday tasks like shopping and appointments to leisure activities and social visits, your bus pass makes getting around easier and more affordable. With accessible services and friendly support, Hedingham and Chambers is an ideal choice for older people and disabled passengers looking to travel independently and conveniently.