Any child or young person who is resident in Scotland, and aged 5-21, can apply for the scheme.

Children under 5 years don’t need a card as they already travel for free on commercial bus services across Scotland.

You can apply for a child aged 5 – 10 years through either www.parentsportal.scot if your child’s school uses it or alternatively at www.getyournec.scot.

For your information, 2 step-by-step instruction videos are below:

How to apply for a first time card for your child via the Parents Portal

How to apply for a first time NEC card through www.getyournec.scot

However, if you are unable to apply online or are having difficulties then you can download and print out a paper copy here.

If you are unable to print a copy you can email YPfreebustravel@fife.gov.uk or phone our Contact Centre on 03451 550066 to have an application posted out to you.

You can apply for a young person between 11 - 15 years, either for a first time card or if they currently hold an NEC, through www.getyournec.scot *Please note that photographic ID is required (Passport/Driving Licence/Young Scot or PASS accredited card/Yoti account).

For your information 2 step-by-step instruction videos are below:

How to apply for a first time NEC card through www.getyournec.scot

How to receive free travel if the young person under 16 already holds a National Entitlement Card

However, if you are unable to apply online or are having difficulties then you can download and print out a paper copy.  First time applicants should click here or if the young person already has a card and wants the free travel added you should click here.  

If you are unable to print a copy you can email YPfreebustravel@fife.gov.uk or phone our Contact Centre on 03451 550066 to have an application posted out to you.

If you are aged between 16–21 with an active NEC or Young Scot Card you can download free bus travel onto your existing card using the Transport Scotland's Pass Collect app. This means you may not need to apply for a new card to access your free bus travel.  If you are unable to use the app, or if you are applying for a card for the first time you should apply through www.getyournec.scot *Please note that photographic ID is required (Passport/Driving Licence/Young Scot or PASS accredited card/Yoti account).

For your information 2 step-by-step instruction videos are below:

How to use the Transport Scotland Pass Collect App

How to apply for Young Persons Free Bus Travel if you’re 16 years of age or over

However, if you are unable to apply online or are having difficulties then you can download and print out a paper copy.  First time applicants should click here or if you already have a card and want free travel added you should click here.

If you are unable to print a copy you can email YPfreebustravel@fife.gov.uk or phone our Contact Centre on 03451 550066 to have an application posted out to you.

If you applied through Parents Portal and have an enquiry regarding your application, please contact them directly via their www.parentsportal.scot ‘HELP’ option.

If you applied through www.getyournec.scot for the card and have an enquiry regarding your application please contact the Improvement Service directly via their www.getyournec.scot ‘HELP’ option.

If you have applied via a paper application and have a query, please email YPfreebustravel@fife.gov.uk or phone our Contact Centre on 03451 550066.

Go to the nec.scot website to find out what documentation is required.

Please note for a temporary period of time ‘out of date passports’ can be used to support an application and proof of residency documents may be dated within the last 12 months.

If you have no photographic ID and cannot use YOTI (as per www.getyournec.scot) or are unable to use the Transport Scotland's Pass Collect app you can request a paper application by phoning our Contact Centre on 03451 55 00 66 or email YPfreebustravel@fife.gov.uk

If you make an application for the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme your concessionary travel entitlement will be cancelled.  This will mean that if you hold a C+1 or a visual impaired persons’ card you will lose the benefits of this card.  We recommend you do not change to the new scheme as this will not allow a companion to travel with you free of charge.

If you have a colour-coded, Council-issued bus pass, you must continue to use this on school buses – don’t use your new NEC card.  Your colour-coded school bus pass gives you priority over other pupils who don't have Council issued bus passes but who may wish to travel on the same bus.  You can find further information on School Transport here.

If you are attending St Andrews University and are currently resident in Fife, you can take advantage of the Under 22 Free Bus Travel Scheme. You must apply via paper application ONLY; this is because the online method of applying will reject your application if a different address is showing on your proof of ID.

You should download and print out an application.  First time applicants should click here or if you already have a card and want free travel added you should click here.

If you are unable to print a copy you can email YPfreebustravel@fife.gov.uk or phone our Contact Centre on 03451 550066 to have an application posted out to you.

Once your form is completed, please email your completed form, photographic ID, proof of address and a passport-style photograph to YPfreebustravel@fife.gov.uk

If you do not have photographic ID you need to make an appointment at your nearest Customer Service Centre where your documentation will be checked and verified.

If you receive a new (NEC) card and wish to use this card for cashless catering and/or library facilities your card should already be activated. If it doesn’t work, then contact the school office who will activate it for you.

If you have previously held an (NEC) card and received a replacement card you should go to the school office to have the card number updated on the cashless catering/library system.

You should allow up to 10 working days from the date your application was approved for your card to arrive.