How to apply
If you are already registered blind, you can get an application form from the Sensory Support Team at your local Health and Social Care Trust.
If you believe you should be registered as blind, contact your local trust directly.
- Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
- Northern Health and Social Care Trust
- Southern Health and Social Care Trust
- South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
- Western Health and Social Care Trust
You can find more guidance on how to apply for a pass at this link:
You will never be contacted asking for any bank account details when you're applying for or renewing a SmartPass.
Lost or stolen SmartPass
If your SmartPass is lost or stolen, you should report it to Translink as soon as possible to make sure the card is cancelled and avoid the likelihood of fraudulent use.
If anyone else tries to use a stolen pass, Translink staff will be alerted.
Unauthorised use of a SmartPass may result in prosecution.
To get your replacement SmartPass, you should either go to your local Translink bus or rail station, or:
- phone: 028 9066 6630
- email: smartpass@translink.co.uk
Faulty or damaged SmartPass
If your SmartPass is faulty or damaged, you can get a free replacement.
Go to a Translink bus or rail station and exchange your SmartPass at the ticket office for a ‘Faulty SmartPass Receipt’ ticket. This will provide you with free travel on buses and trains for a seven-day period, during which time a new free replacement pass will be issued.
Or you can also get a free replacement pass by contacting:
- phone: 028 9066 6630
- email: smartpass@translink.co.uk
The ‘Faulty SmartPass Receipt’ ticket is only available at a Translink train or bus station when exchanged for the faulty or damaged pass.
Using a Registered Blind SmartPass
Your SmartPass contains a small electronic chip which will automatically check your eligibility to free travel.
Simply hand over your SmartPass to the bus driver, ticket clerk at the station or conductor on board the train and tell them where you're going. They will then return your pass and issue you with your ticket, which you must keep.
You must always remember to show your pass on boarding. If you do not show your pass, you will have to pay the full fare for your journey.
You should note that:
- Registered Blind SmartPasses are issued for the sole purpose of providing eligibility for concessionary travel on scheduled services provided by Translink and other participating operators
- Registered Blind SmartPasses are valid on point-to-point cross border bus and rail services but not on journeys made entirely within the Republic of Ireland
- Registered Blind SmartPasses are not transferable, nor are any tickets issued with them
- use of the Registered Blind SmartPass is subject to the full conditions of carriage of the transport operator
- the SmartPass remains the property of the Department for Infrastructure and may be withdrawn at any time
- it is the responsibility of Registered Blind SmartPass holders to keep their SmartPass in good working condition
The Concessionary Fares Scheme privacy notice is available on the DfI website.
You can find out more information about the SmartPass at this link:
Glider services
You can use your Registered Blind SmartPass on all Glider services.
SmartPass users do not need to use Glider ticket vending machines but must tap their card on a validator at the Glider halt before boarding the Glider.
Renewing a SmartPass
Your SmartPass will run out after five years. A renewal form will be sent to you three months before your existing pass expires.