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Types of local ticket schemes

Depending on where you live, you can buy a variety of different types of bus and coach tickets. These may include single journey tickets, one-day, weekly or monthly tickets as well as student or over-60 passes.

Combined bus and rail (Plusbus) tickets

If your journey includes both bus and train travel, you may be able to buy a single combined ticket and save money. Plusbus is an integrated train to bus ticketing system. Rail travellers to 270 towns and cities across Britain can add cheap unlimited bus travel around the starting point or destination of their train journey. Railcard holders get one-third off Plusbus day ticket prices.

• Information on Plusbus ticketing Opens new window

• Rail travel concessions (railcards)

Finding your local bus or coach service

You can find your nearest bus or coach service when you plan your journey using the online journey planner.

• Journey planner Opens new window

Avoiding a penalty fare in London

In central London you must buy your tickets from machines at bus stops before you board the bus. If you don't buy a valid ticket, you could be charged a penalty fare or have your contact details taken down for a possible fine.

The Transport for London (TfL) website has information of all public transport services in central London.

• London tickets and fares Opens new window

Hiring a coach

Some companies hire out coaches for private use. You can search for coach companies on the Guild of British Coach Operators website.

• Guild of British Coach Operators Opens new window

Community buses/mini-buses

There are many bus schemes run by voluntary or non-profit organisations to help people get around cheaply and easily. They have special permits which exempt them from many of the usual public service vehicle rules. You can find detailed information on how to get a permit by following the link below.

Contact your local council for more information on community buses in your area.

• Mini-bus and community bus permits (motoring section)

• Find your local council

More useful links

• Travel discounts for young people

• Public and community transport for disabled travellers

Useful contacts

• Bus Appeals Body Opens new window

• London Travelwatch Opens new window

• Consumer Council for Northern Ireland Opens new window

• More about Passengers' View - Scotland Opens new window