Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer free travel offer and who is eligible?
It's free bus travel until 31 March 2027, for participants of one of our regional Youth Guarantee Trailblazer schemes, available for residents aged 21 and under who are not in work or training.
You'll receive free travel through a WESTpass smartcard, which is valid on all participating buses across the West of England and North Somerset.
To enquire about your local Trailblazer scheme, visit SkillsConnect.org.uk/Youth-Guarantee for contact details.
If I turn 22 before 31 March 2027, can I still use my card?
Yes. Your bus pass will expire on 31 March 2027. Even if you turn 22 before this date, your pass will remain valid until it expires.
How do I use my WESTpass to get free travel?
Simply scan your WESTpass on the bus's ticket machine reader. As always, if you have problems, the driver will help you. For use on WESTlink services, please see the 'Can I use my WESTpass on WESTlink services?' question below.
What area does the free travel cover?
You can use your WESTpass on all eligible routes that start in the West of England. The full area covered is shown on the map below.
What buses are included in the offer?
You can use your WESTpass on 95% of all services in the West of England area. This includes registered services operated by First Bus, Stagecoach, Abus, Big Lemon, CT Coaches, Eurotaxis and Faresaver.
Bristol Park & Ride services operated by Stagecoach are included.
WESTlink and WESTlocal services are included.
Some services cannot accept your WESTpass. These include tour buses, school buses, community transport, special event buses or buses that have premium fares for part of their routes, such as the A1 and A3 airport flyer services, the A4 (if you're starting or ending at Bristol Airport) and the Stagecoach Falcon. Bath Park & Ride services operated by First Bus (including the First Bus 31 service) are not included.
Can I use my WESTpass on WESTlink services?
Yes. If booking on the app, go to concessions and select the WESTpass. Then book your trip and show the driver your WESTpass when you board. If you book a WESTlink trip over the phone, simply mention to the operator that you have a WESTpass.
What can I use my pass for?
Your WESTpass will help you commute to work placements and training opportunities available through the Trailblazer scheme. The WESTpass is valid all day every day, supporting day, night and shift activities.
How do I apply?
You can apply for your WESTpass here. You'll need:
- Your address: a valid address in the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority area or North Somerset.
- A photo: a recent digital, passport-style photo that meets the standard photo-pass requirements - e.g. a good quality selfie, taken against a light wall.
- A unique code: contact your Youth Guarantee work coach/mentor at your local authority (Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, or North Somerset Council), who will also ensure you are eligible.
If you have any problems during your application, or can't meet the criteria above, just call 0300 300 0032 and someone will help you.
How and when will I get my pass?
Once you've submitted your application, if everything is in order, your WESTpass will be printed and sent to you in the post. We aim to get your WESTpass to you within 7 working days. If you are experiencing a delay, please call 0300 300 0032 or email westpass@talktosam.co.uk.
What if I am unable to apply online?
Because it's a smartcard system, online applications are the most efficient way to process your information. Here are some alternatives if you don't have a smart phone or computer:
- Contact your Youth Guarantee work coach/mentor at your local authority (Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, or North Somerset Council), who may be able to help.
- Apply securely online at public internet points, such as libraries.
- Email our technical support team who will help to submit your application at westpass@talktosam.co.uk.
- Post your application information to our technical support team. Simply put “Freepost SWSAL” on an envelope, no postage payment required.
If you need help during your application, or have problems with your card, you can call 0300 300 0032.
My bus pass expired in March 2026. Can I renew it?
Yes. If you signed up on or before 31 March 2026, you will receive 12 months of free travel from the date you first signed up. We have extended the scheme to make sure everyone receives their full 12-month entitlement.
You should have received an email from westpass@talktosam.co.uk explaining this and asking you to confirm your address.
If you haven't received this, please email westpass@talktosam.co.uk or call 0300 300 0032.
Lost a card?
If you lose your card, call 0300 300 0032 or email westpass@talktosam.co.uk and a new card will be sent out as quickly as possible. Of course, without a WESTpass, you lose free travel days, so keep it safe!
