Days Out By Bus: Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to show to get the offer?
Participating venues have been briefed on accepted tickets, passes, smart cards, and QR codes. Here's what to show based on how you've purchased your ticket:
- On the bus - show your paper bus ticket valid on the day of the visit.
- Tap on tap off with contactless - show the journey transaction on Google Wallet, Apple Pay or your banking app (this may show as £0.10 initially)
- From a Metro ticket machine - show your Metro paper ticket if it’s valid on bus (e.g. Tyne and Wear Day Rover, TNE Day Saver, Transfare).
- Operator app (return/day/week/season ticket) – Show the QR code screen with countdown (the one scanned when boarding).
- Single ticket via operator app – Must be purchased on the day of travel. Show the email receipt confirming the date
- Season ticket loaded onto a Pop card – make sure you have the Pop app on your phone and use the Pop Card Checker function to show that your season ticket end date is in the future.
- Concessionary travel pass or smart card – show your pass/smart card. You may be asked to scan your card.
- Network One ticket – show your day/week/four-week/annual season ticket.
- PlusBus Rail ticket - Show your orange paper/card/QR rail ticket with PlusBus and the visit date. Available for journeys to/from Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Hexham and Alnwick rail stations, find out more at https://www.plusbus.info/locations/north-east
My kids travelled with #KidsGoFree — do they need a ticket?
No. As long as the accompanying adult shows a valid bus ticket, children travelling free are eligible for the venue discount.
I use a concessionary or companion pass -- am I eligible for the offer?
Yes. Simply show your concessionary travel card. You may be asked to scan it.
What if we are travelling as a group? Does everyone have to show their ticket?
If you are travelling as a group, every adult must be able to show a valid bus ticket to be eligible for the offer. You may be able to purchase a group or family bus ticket which covers all of your party.
Do I have to use the bus for my entire journey?
No. You can use a mixture of modes, as long as the bus is used for part of your journey and you can show a ticket valid on bus services. This could include Park + Ride, Bus + Metro, Bus + Rail. Some venues may also offer their discount for visitors travelling only by Metro, Rail or active travel. Please check the venue’s page on www.goodjourney.org.uk.
Will Metro tickets like Tyne & Wear Day Rover or TNE Day Saver be accepted?
Yes - they’re valid for bus travel and accepted under this scheme.
Can I use the same ticket to visit more than one venue in a day?
Yes - your bus ticket is valid for discounts at multiple participating venues on the same day of travel.
Are these discounts only available to families?
No - the offer is open to anyone travelling to participating venues by bus, regardless of age.
Can I pre-book online and get the discount?
Discounts are available for walk-in entries at all participating venues; there is no need to book in advance.
How long is Days Out By Bus running?
The scheme is ongoing scheme, but participating venues and discounts may change. Always check this page before your visit for the latest details.
I couldn’t redeem the offer - what should I do?
Email buses@northeast-ca.gov.uk with the venue name, date, and time of your visit. We’ll investigate and follow up.
Days Out By Bus – Standard Offer Terms and conditions:
- The type and availability of the offer is determined by the participating venue.
- The North East Combined Authority does not directly fund any offers and cannot be held liable if venues do not honour the advertised offer.
- Partner venues may change or withdraw the offer at any time.
- Partner venues may determine additional terms and conditions, for example ‘not to be used in conjunction with any other offer’.