Young People (5-21)

Teenager with NEC card icon

Young people (aged 5-21) resident in Scotland are eligible for free bus travel with a valid NEC card.

How to apply for a Young Persons' Freedom Pass

Applications can be completed using this online form for a new National Entitlement Card (NEC). You will be guided step-by-step through the process and will be asked to provide proof of certain details.

Parents/guardians must apply on behalf of children (aged 5-15). Young people (aged 16-21) can apply on their own behalf. Once approved, the NEC will be delivered to your home address.

If you cannot apply online, forms are available at schools for children (aged 5-15). Any other queries can be directed to Dundee City Council's customer services team by:

  • Emailing [email protected]
  • Calling 01382 433267
  • Visiting Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1QE

How it works

Once you have your new NEC, simply board the bus and place it on the ticket machine card reader. Tell the driver where you're going and wait for your ticket to come out. Take your ticket and your NEC away with you, and then go and find a seat to enjoy your journey. Easy!

Back-up tickets and prices

Free travel is only available to those with a valid/working NEC. Otherwise, you'll be asked to pay a fare (see below) or risk being turned away. Even if you have applied for a card but it has not yet been delivered, it will be necessary to continue paying in the meantime as normal.

As of Monday 25 April 2022: child (aged 5-15) fares remain frozen (see below), but young people (aged 16-18) must pay adult prices.

Child (5-15) fares
  Paper tickets Digital tickets
Short Hop £1.15 ---
Long Hop £1.50 £1.50
10-Trip Bundle £13.50 £13.00
DaySaver £2.90 £2.60
WeekSaver £9.00 £8.50
4-WeekSaver --- £30.00
ABCday --- £3.00
ABCweek --- £9.70

Save on the school run

Kids go free with a NEC - but the savings don't stop there. Adults can save 25% compared to a DaySaver with a SchoolrunSaver ticket for just £3!

Buy on the bus (using cash or contactless) between 8-9am on school days when accompanying a child using their free NEC U22s pass. You're then free to use this ticket like a normal DaySaver for the rest of the day.

This ticket is on trial from Monday 15 August until Friday 23 December 2022 (after which point it may be extended or withdrawn, depending on uptake).