Since Tuesday, April 1, 2008, the Derbyshire Gold Card has changed. With the new Gold Card, cardholders – that’s everyone over 60 and eligible disabled people living in Derbyshire – can:
If you think you are eligible for Gold Card and haven’t yet got one, you can find out about how to apply for your Gold Card.
There has been huge demand for the new cards nationally, and Derbyshire County Council has worked hard with us to get cardholders details to the distributors on time, but some people may still not have got their cards. Until new cards arrive, old-style Gold Cards can can still be used to travel free on buses in Derbyshire and half fare on local trains up until May 31 2008.
You are eligible for a Gold Card if...
You need to
– the application form provides information about what else you will need;1. Apply in person
High Peak residents can take your documentary proofs of eligibility, your completed application form (60KB) and your photograph, to:
2. Apply at a post office
Bring your application form (60KB) with your documentary evidence and your own photograph to the following post offices:
Bamford;
Buxton (Higher Buxton and Spring Gardens);
Castleton;
Chapel-en-le-Frith (Market Place and Town End);
Charlesworth;
Chinley;
Edale;
Furness Vale;Gamesley;
Hadfield;
Hayfield;
Hope;
New Mills (Co-op Late Shop);
Peak Dale;
Simmondley;
Tintwistle;
Whaley Bridge (Canal Street and Horwich End).
3. Apply by post
You can apply send your completed application form (60KB) , with photocopies of your proof documents and a passport-size photograph to:
Gold Card
High Peak Borough Council
Hayfield Road
Chapel-en-le-Frith
High Peak
Derbyshire
SK23 0QJ
Since April 1, 2008, the Derbyshire Gold Card will enable eligible users to get free off-peak travel on local buses (external website**) anywhere in England.
Off-peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm, Monday to Friday, and all day weekends and bank holidays.
In most cases, this will be self-evident, but in a few instances, this could include some longer distance buses and coach services, where part of their route is registered as a local bus service. Long-distance express services, special tours and excursions are not classed as local bus services, although some, such as National Express, offer discount fares to over-60s (external website**). If in doubt, check with the bus operator.
No. You can only get free off-peak bus travel (external website**) within England.
Yes. Derbyshire Gold can get you half fare train travel (external website**) anytime on most journeys within Derbyshire, and on some trips to and from neighbouring counties to Sheffield, Nottingham, Burton, Uttoxeter and Manchester – or to stations en route – so long as one end of your journey is in Derbyshire.
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 relevant authority in the area to which you intend to travel.
No, because those benefits are paid for by the London authorities – only London Freedom Pass holders will be able to enjoy additional travel on the tube and train. But you will be able to enjoy free off-peak bus travel (external website**) when visiting the capital.
Your new Derbyshire Gold card can get you:
If your circumstances change, for example, if you move address either to a different county or within Derbyshire, or become ineligible because of a change in your disability, please tell us.
Firstly, get a copy of the latest Derbyshire Gold Card colour magazine (external website**). The spring magazine contains a 48 page Guide to Services for You and Your Family – it's free from your local library, from our Council offices, or by calling 08456 058058. A Gold Card Discount Directory will be issued with the autumn magazine.
More than 1,400 local shops, restaurants, pubs and services, in and around Derbyshire, give a Gold Card discount of usually 10 per cent or more – but sometimes sale items or special offers are excluded. Many hotels and B&Bs in Derbyshire, Blackpool, Cumbria, Lincolnshire, North Wales, North and East Yorkshire and Northumberland also offer a range of discounts.
Simply show your Gold Card, when you pay, to have the amount deducted. Please note that discounts are for the cardholder only.
Contact us by calling 0845 129 7777 or 01298 28400, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm. We will have your details on file, so you will not need to supply another application form or photograph. Please note, there is a £5 charge for a replacement card.
Show the driver your Gold Card – the side with your photograph on the front – to prove you travel for free and tell them where you want to get off the bus. Even though you don’t need to give the driver any cash, you will be issued with a ticket.
When you make the return journey, you will need to show your Gold Card and you will be issued with another ticket. In some parts of the country, buses may have machines that ‘read’ your card and you may have to swipe your card against the machine, instead of showing it to the driver. If you are unsure, ask the driver.
Anyone aged 60, or over, automatically qualifies for Gold Card.
Some people under 60 may also qualify for a Gold Card if they have a disability – this includes people who:
To find out what documents you will need, to prove that you are eligible, please see How do I apply?
You will need to use this form (60KB)
Derbyshire Gold card is issued by your local district, borough or city council. Please contact us for information about your card, by calling 0845 129 7777 or 01298 28400, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm.
Alternatively, call Derbyshire on 08456 058058, between 8am and 8pm on weekdays, or 9.30am-4pm on Saturdays at the local rate – or get a copy of the latest Derbyshire Gold Card colour magazine (external website**).
**Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.