Page contents
- Introduction
- Summary of eligibility
- National fare cap scheme
- Apply online for your LINK card
- Successful applicants
- Unsuccessful applicants
- Using your LINK card
- Renew or replace your LINK card
- Changing your name or address
- Other travel discount cards
Introduction
The Surrey LINK card is for young people aged 20 and under who live in Surrey. It can be used on any single or return bus journey that starts and/or finishes in Surrey and allows you to get 50% off the adult fare for the journey you are taking. On most routes this is the equivalent of a child fare.
Please note the LINK card discount does not apply to: a child fare or season tickets. The LINK card cannot be used on bus services operated by Transport for London (TfL).
The LINK card is free. A £10 administration charge will be made for replacement cards (that have been lost, stolen or damaged).
The two types of LINK card
Under 16s
- You will need to ask a parent, guardian or carer to apply on your behalf if you are under 16.
- Your LINK card will be valid for a maximum of 3 years or until your 16th birthday. You will then need to renew your LINK card every 3 years or once you are over 16 re-apply for an over-16 card.
Over 16s
- If you are over 16, your LINK card will be valid until the day before your 21st birthday.
- You can apply up to 28 days before your 21st birthday
Summary of eligibility
To be eligible for a LINK card, you must be:
- aged 20 or under. You can apply up to 28 days before your 21st birthday.
- living in one of the administrative boroughs/districts of Surrey
- starting and/or finishing your bus journey in Surrey.
If you live outside Surrey you will not be eligible for this card, so please contact your local council for advice on transport assistance.
The LINK card cannot be used on bus services operated by Transport for London (TfL). The services affected are:
- 116, 117 and 166
- 203, 216, 235, 290 and 293
- 403, 404, 405, 406 , 407, 411, 418, 434 , 464, 465, 466, 467 and 470
- K3
- R68
- S1
(Please note that some of the above routes have the same number as other bus services that operate in Surrey which do accept the Surrey LINK card. Please follow the above links to see if your bus service is affected).
National fare cap scheme
The Department for Transport (DfT) bus fare cap increased from £2 to £3 for single journeys on 1 January 2025. From this date, bus services taking part in the DfT fare cap scheme charge a maximum of £1.50 for a single journey when you show a LINK card. Return tickets and school-only services are not included in the fare cap scheme.
The LINK card still gives 50% off adult fares on return tickets and on services that are not part of the fare cap scheme, including school-only services that are open to the public. If 50% off the adult fare is cheaper than the £1.50 single fare or £3 return fare, the lower price will apply.
The following bus operators take part in the national bus fare cap:
- Compass,
- East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership,
- Falcon,
- First,
- Metrobus,
- Stagecoach,
- Thames Valley Bus,
- Waverley Hoppa.
Details of participating routes can be found on the Department for Transport (DfT) website.
Apply online
Register or log in to the Surrey LINK card online portal
Please note the LINK card discount does not apply to: a child fare or season tickets. The LINK card cannot be used on bus services operated by Transport for London (TfL)
Before you apply
Check with individual bus operators for additional discounts available, as many bus services in Surrey already offer half price travel to under 16s. Also, please check with individual operators on their fare structures and for other travel discounts offered.
You will need:
- your date of birth, full postal address and your email address
- digital photo/passport style image ready to upload or capture. You can use the camera on your smartphone, tablet or computer to do this. (Please note you cannot change your photo after the first time you apply for your card/after you have gone through the verification process).
Please note, when your application is submitted we will use an address checking software to check that the address given is within Surrey
If you are under 16, you will need to ask a parent, guardian or carer to apply on your behalf. You do not need to upload any proof of age documentation to apply for a LINK card.
If you are over 16 and applying for a LINK card, you will need to upload one of the below valid documents to prove your age:
- passport
- photo driving licence
- CitizenCard
- National identity card or biometric residence permit
Please contact the LINK team (surreylink@surreycc.gov.uk) if you are not able to submit any of the above documents or if you require assistance with your application or cannot complete it online.
Successful applications
Your LINK card will be sent to your home address 10 days after you apply. If your card has not arrived within 10 working days from when you applied, please email us at surreylink@surreycc.gov.uk
Unsuccessful applications
If your application for a Surrey LINK card is unsuccessful, you will be notified via email. If you wish to discuss an unsuccesful application., please email surreylink@surreycc.gov.uk.
Using your LINK card
Your card is valid 24/7 all year round.
The ticket machines will only recognise the LINK card when you scan it. If this scheme is successful, Surrey County Council might consider moving to an app-based scheme in the future.
If you don't have your LINK card with you, you may be asked to pay full adult fare.
How to use your LINK card
For those bus operators that accept contactless payment:
- Young person boards the bus and tells the driver where they are going
- Young person holds the LINK card to the ticket machine
- The driver will then confirm with the young person whether the journey is a single or return
- Young person will then present their contactless card to the ticket machine
- The driver will issue the half price single or return ticket
- Young person will then be asked to hold the LINK card to the ticket machine to complete the transaction
For those operators that accept cash payments:
- Young person boards the bus and tells the driver where they are going
- Young person holds the LINK card to the ticket machine
- The driver will then confirm with the young person whether the journey is a single or return
- The driver will issue the ticket
Renew or replace your LINK card
Renew your card
Your LINK card is valid for 3 years. Please renew your LINK card by logging into your Surrey LINK online portal account. Renewal cards can be ordered 28 days in advance of the expiry date.
Register or log in to the Surrey LINK card online portal
If you have any problems renewing your LINK card please contact us via email: surreylink@surreycc.gov.uk
Replace a lost, stolen or damaged card
Replacement cards will cost £10 and your previous card will no longer be valid.
If your card is stolen, please report it to the police. When you have a Crime Reference Number from the Police, we can replace your card free of charge.
If you have lost or damaged your card, please replace your LINK card by logging into your Surrey LINK online portal account. You will need a debit or credit card to pay the £10 administration fee.
Register or log in to the Surrey LINK card online portal
If you have any problems replacing your LINK card please contact us via email: surreylink@surreycc.gov.uk
Faulty card
If you card is faulty and not working, please contact us via email at surreylink@surreycc.gov.uk. We need the following information in your email: name, date of birth, post code and card number with a brief description of the fault.
Please do not bend or chip your card, otherwise you may crack the part of the card that our reader needs to read to accept it.
We regret any travel days lost or costs incurred due to a card being lost, stolen or damaged cannot be replaced.
Changing your name or address on your LINK card
If your name or address changes whilst you have a card, please contact the Surrey LINK team via surreylink@surreycc.gov.uk
Other travel discount cards
Bus
If you are 16 plus and travel to school or college via Transport for London bus services, you can apply for the Transport for London's 16 plus Oyster photocard. The Oyster card will allow Surrey students to pay-as-you-go at half the adult single fare. For further details, visit the Transport for London website.
Train
If you are 16 to 17 and travel to school or college by train, you can apply National Railcard 16 to 17 Saver, it allows students 50% off single, return and season tickets. Please note: this scheme is not administered by Surrey County Council.