Using your Freedom Pass

Once you have your Kent Freedom Pass bus travel is free any day of the week on participating bus routes in Kent.

2011-12 Kent Freedom Passes are issued as smartcards. Every time you board a bus with the new ticket machines, you will need to ‘swipe’ your pass, rather than just show it to the driver.

If you need to replace your original Kent Freedom Pass smartcard, you will be issued with a replacement pass which is not a smartcard. The pass is just as valid, but it is a different colour to help the bus drivers to tell the difference.

Replacement passes cost £10 and you can get one replacement per year. You can pay for a replacement by phone or by sending a cheque or postal order (payable to KCC) with your child's details.

Where the pass can be used

• The pass can be used anywhere within Kent County Council's boundary
• The pass can also be used to make direct journeys from Kent County Council to other neighbouring councils where the journey starts or finishes within Kent County Council
• The pass cannot be used to make journeys from one Medway address to another Medway address
• You can use Traveline or 11-19travel to help you plan your bus journeys

When using your Kent Freedom Pass at busy times remember that it does not guarantee you a seat on the bus, so there may be times when you need to stand or wait for the next bus.

Behaviour of pass holders 

So the scheme continues to make a positive impact for all bus users, the standards of behaviour expected by Kent Freedom Pass holders are set out in the code of conduct (pdf, 29k).

Special school services

A small number of tailored school services are designated as ‘special’, so a further payment is required in addition to the Kent Freedom Pass. The current charge is detailed in the list of participating bus operators (pdf, 21k) and service exclusions.