Transport for LondonBus & Tram
If you are:
- Living in London
- And aged 18 to 60
- And receiving Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance or Jobseeker's Allowance*
- And not getting any other free or discounted travel
You can get a Bus & Tram Discount photocard to:
- Pay half the adult Oyster fare on buses and trams when using pay as you go
- Get half-rate Bus & Tram Passes (see current fares)
*You must have been receiving Jobseeker's Allowance for a minimum of 13 weeks
Can I get a Bus and Tram Discount photocard?
You can get a Bus & Tram Discount photocard if you:
- Live in a London borough
- And are 18 to 60 years old
- And get Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance or have been getting Jobseeker's Allowance for at least 13 weeks
- And are not getting any other free or discount travel such as a Freedom Pass or Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card
Get an Oyster card too
Once you've got your photocard you'll have to get your discount entitlement added to an Oyster card and register it before you travel. Find out more on the How do I apply page.
How much do I pay with a Bus & Tram Discount photocard?
Bus and tram
Half the adult Oyster fare.
Tube, DLR, London Overground or National Rail
Full adult fare. No discount on Travelcards.
Emirates Air Line
Pay full adult pay as you go rate on the Emirates Air Line. Show your Oyster card to buy a discounted adult Boarding Pass.
Example fares
- Single bus or tram journeys - 70p
- Daily price cap - £2.20 (the most you'll pay when you make lots of journeys in a day)
- 7 Day Bus & Tram Pass - £9.80
See what fares you'll pay with a Bus & Tram photocard for:
How do I apply for a Bus & Tram Discount photocard?
I'm on Income Support or Employment and Support Allowance
I'm on Jobseeker's Allowance
Get an Oyster card too
I'm on Income Support or Employment and Support Allowance
Download the Bus & Tram Discount scheme application form (PDF 293KB) or pick up a paper copy from any London Post Office.
Find out more about the scheme with our downloadable leaflet:
Getting around with the Bus & Tram Discount scheme (PDF 654KB).
Once you've filled in your form, you need to take it to a Post Office. They'll check your application then give you your photocard. You'll then need to get your discount entitlement added to an Oyster card.
Make sure you take ID and a photo with you. Exactly what you need is on the form.
I'm on Jobseeker's Allowance
To apply you must ask for a special application form at your Jobcentre Plus branch at your 13 week interview.
Complete the form with Jobcentre Plus staff. They'll validate your application.
Then take it to a Post Office. They'll check your application then give you your photocard. You'll then need to get your discount entitlement added to an Oyster card.
Make sure you take ID and a photo with you. Exactly what you need is on the form.
Get an Oyster card too
Once you've got your photocard you'll have to get the discount entitlement added to an Oyster card and register it before you can travel at half rate.
Just go to any Oyster Ticket Stop or Tube station ticket office and ask the staff to put your discount entitlement onto your Oyster card and register it at the same time. If you don't already have an Oyster card, you can get one by paying a £5 refundable deposit.
How do I use my Bus & Tram Discount card?
You need to use your photocard with an Oyster card.
- Carry your photocard and Oyster card together when you travel
- Touch in on the yellow card readers at the start of every journey
- Don't let anyone else use your photocard or Oyster card
Expiry
Your photocard's valid for no more than six months.
Lost, stolen or damaged cards
Find out what to do if your Bus & Tram Discount photocard is lost, stolen or stops working.
