Which card is right for you?

NECs look different depending on your age and what you want to use them for.

When you’re using your card for free bus travel, you need to tap your card on the reader when you get on the bus. This is because all bus journeys made under the scheme must be recorded so that the Scottish Government can pay the bus operators for the fare. The main thing to remember is that you’ll have to pay for your journey if you don’t have a card.

If you’re aged 5-11

You’ll use a photo-less NEC to hop on board. This card includes your unique card number, ITSO number, name and card expiry date. You’ll be able to use this card until the day before your 12th birthday, but can apply for your new photo card (see below) any time from your 11th birthday.

If you’re aged 11-21

There are two card options for you to choose from.

Most people choose the Young Scot NEC which – along with free bus travel – can get you access to Young Scot membership rewards and discounts and is also a PASS accredited form of ID which is very useful when you get to a certain age! Go to the Young Scot website to find out more about what it offers.

But if you don’t want the Young Scot branding…

If you don’t want the Young Scot branding and benefits with your NEC, you can apply for this version to access free bus travel but you will not get any of the other benefits available from having a Young Scot card.

NECs not used for travel

You might have an NEC that is not used for travel. This could be a card which keeps money for your lunch, or when it is used as your university or college matric card. If you have one of these you won’t be able to travel by bus for free and you’ll need to apply for a new card.