West Midlands Older Person's Pass: Bus, Tram and Train
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
In the West Midlands the older person's pass is issued by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) from State Pension age. As well as free off-peak buses across England, it gives free travel after 9.30am on West Midlands Metro trams and on local trains within the West Midlands, which the national bus pass does not cover.
Who qualifies
TfWM's page on how to get an older person's travel pass sets two conditions.
- Age: you must have reached State Pension age. This is the same for men and women. Because State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, your exact date depends on when you were born; our State Pension age checker will tell you.
- Address: the council tax on your home must be paid to one of seven councils: Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall or Wolverhampton.
If you live outside those seven areas, for example in Staffordshire, Warwickshire or Worcestershire, you apply to your own council and get the standard national pass without the tram and train extras.
TfWM's page does not list an older person's pass available before State Pension age. Between 60 and pension age, a Senior Railcard is the main saving available on trains.
What the pass covers, and when
| Type of transport | Free travel times (Monday to Friday) |
|---|---|
| Buses in the West Midlands | 9.30am to 11.59pm |
| Trams (West Midlands Metro) | 9.30am until the last service of the day |
| Trains within the West Midlands (the area TfWM calls the Blue Zone) | 9.30am to 11.59pm |
| Local buses elsewhere in England | 9.30am to 11pm |
At weekends and on public holidays the pass is valid all day. These times are as shown on TfWM's website at the time of writing (November 2026).
What is extra compared with the national bus pass
- Trams: free off-peak travel on the Metro between Wolverhampton and Birmingham and its extensions.
- Trains: free off-peak travel on local rail services inside the West Midlands zone. This is rare in England and very useful on the cross-city and suburban lines. The zone has a boundary, so check the last station covered before travelling to places such as Lichfield, Redditch or Stratford.
- Later evenings: the national scheme stops at 11pm; within the West Midlands, TfWM's times run to 11.59pm on buses and trains.
Travelling before 9.30am
The pass does not give free travel before 9.30am on weekdays. TfWM says you will need to buy a ticket. On National Express West Midlands buses you can show your pass to the driver and ask for a concessionary single fare, and other operators may offer something similar, though the fare can vary. TfWM also mentions an add-on ticket for people who regularly travel early. We have not quoted prices because we could not confirm the current ones; check TfWM's ticket finder or ask the driver.
You can load money onto the pass through your online account and use it to pay for these early journeys.
How to apply
Online
TfWM says the online application takes about 15 minutes. Sign in to, or create, a Swift account (Swift is the name of the West Midlands smart ticketing system), then choose "Apply for or manage discounts and free travel passes" and "Older person's pass", and follow the steps. TfWM's page does not list the documents needed, so have proof of your age and address and a passport-style photo to hand in case you are asked for them. If creating an account is new to you, our guide to passwords made simple may help, or ask a relative to sit with you.
By post
You can download a paper application form from the same page and post it to the address printed on it.
TfWM says that once your application is approved, the pass arrives by post within 5 working days. TfWM notes that its ticketing services are by telephone, email and post only; there is no face-to-face counter.
Renewing and replacing
- TfWM sends a renewal letter one month before your pass expires. You can renew through your Swift account, with the online renewal form, or by posting the form that comes with the letter.
- If your new pass has not arrived before the old one runs out, contact TfWM.
- You can change your name through your account, and send a new photo by email or post if your appearance has changed.
- Lost or stolen passes can be replaced; TfWM has a separate page for this and a fee may apply.
Making the most of it
Free trains make a real difference in the West Midlands: Birmingham to Coventry, Wolverhampton or Solihull at no cost after 9.30am, with trams and buses at either end. For ideas see bus pass days out. If walking to the stop is the difficulty, the region's Ring and Ride door-to-door minibus may suit you better; see community transport. And if the pass means the car is sitting idle, our page on giving up the car helps you weigh it up. The national rules are on our free bus pass page.
Common questions
Are trains really free with the West Midlands pass?
Yes, on local trains within the West Midlands zone after 9.30am on weekdays and all day at weekends and on public holidays, according to TfWM. It does not cover long-distance journeys beyond the zone.
Can I get the pass at 60?
No. TfWM's older person's pass starts at State Pension age. See what you get at 60 for what does start earlier.
How much is the bus fare before 9.30am?
It depends on the operator and changes from time to time. Show your pass and ask the driver for the concessionary single fare, or check TfWM's website.