Concessionary Travel

Derbyshire Gold – your passport to FREE bus travel, discount shopping and your local library.

From the 1 April 2008, Derbyshire Gold is the new national bus concessionary travel card in Derbyshire and is a partnership between Derbyshire County Council, the district and borough councils and Derby City Council.

From 1 April 2008 if you’re 60 or over, or eligible disabled your new card will allow you to enjoy free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.

Putting pounds in your pockets

As a discount card, Derbyshire Gold can be used to make great saving at hundreds of shops and on other services in Derbyshire and in some nearby towns and cities.

Around 1,400 businesses have already joined the discount scheme and more are signing up all the time. They include shops, restaurants, travel, leisure and a wide range of other services, all offering generous discounts to Derbyshire Gold holders.

Details of discounts can be found on Derbyshire County Council’s website (opens in a new window) and are listed in the Derbyshire Gold discount directory available from local libraries and council offices.

Derbyshire Gold – your new library card

Your new Derbyshire Gold card now has a barcode which means you can use it to borrow from any Derbyshire or Derby city library.

To register your card, hand it to the assistant when you visit. You will be asked a few contact details, your card will be scanned and then it’s ready to be used.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the NEW Derbyshire Gold Card different from the previous one?

From 1 April 2008, Derbyshire Gold will enable cardholders to get free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.

When exactly is off-peak travel?

Off-peak hours are between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday and all day weekends and bank holidays.

What is the definition of a local bus?

Timetabled services which run locally and where a fare would normally be paid. Some longer distance bus and coach services, registered as local buses, may also be included. Long distance express services, special tours and excursions are not classed as local bus services. If in doubt check with the bus operator.

Will I be able to enjoy free bus travel anywhere in the UK?

You can only get free bus travel within England.

Can I use Derbyshire Gold to get free train travel?

Derbyshire Gold can only be used for free bus travel.

If I visit an area that offers additional services such as free train or tram travel will I be entitled to them?

Probably not. As a general rule local authorities will only provide additional services for their own residents. Some authorities though, may provide them – check with the council in the area in which you intend to travel.

I visit relatives in London occasionally so will I be able to enjoy the same benefits as a London Freedom Pass holder?

No. Because those benefits are paid for by the London authorities, only London Freedom Pass holders will be able to get travel benefits on the tube and train. But you will be able to enjoy free off-peak bus travel when visiting the capital.

I’m finding all the differences in the various schemes confusing, what do I really need to know?

Your new Derbyshire Gold card entitles you to free off-peak bus travel anywhere in England. You can also use it to get discounts at local businesses and as a library card in Derbyshire.

Frequently Asked Question for Derbyshire Dales residents who had a Derbyshire Gold card before 1 April 2008

Residents of the Derbyshire Dales area who already have Gold Cards have been issued with renewal/confirmation letters. This checking will enable us to automatically issue the new cards using the information and photographs that we already have on file without having to make everybody reapply. If you haven't received a renewal form, please contact us on 01629 761100 as soon as possible. 

I haven’t received a renewal form, my wife/neighbour/friend has.

If you haven’t received a form by now, visit or contact one of the offices at Matlock, Bakewell or Ashbourne, because you may have to reapply.

Will I need a new photo?

If you have returned a renewal form, you won’t need a new photo.

When will I get the new card? Will I have to pick it up form the offices?

Your new Derbyshire Gold card will be posted out directly to you, just before the 1st April 2008.

How long will the permit be valid for?

If you are over 60 the permit will be valid for 5 years, expiring on 31st March 2013.

Do I return my old card to you?

No.