FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions


Last update
13th August 2013



This page

Answers to commonly asked questions received by e-mail.

1  How do I apply for a student faresaver card?

2 Do all buses in Harlow provide free travel for the over 60's

3 Can I use my Transport for London Oyster Card to travel to Harlow

4 Will I save money by buying a weekly or monthly pass

5 Is there a weekly pas that can be used on more than one operators routes.

6 Can I use my return ticket on any bus?

7 My bus didn't run on time or didn't run at all, what can I do?

8 Can you send me printed timetables by post?

9 Do you sell bus tickets or passes

10 What is the quickest/cheapest way to get to London.


Other pages  

List of local places

Travelers Guide 
Maps of routes
 

 

 





1 How do I apply for a student faresaver card?
 
To purchase a student faresaver card, pick up an application form from the travel office in Harlow bus station and this tells you all you need to do. Essentially you'll need two passport size photographs, proof of age, and you'll then need the college to endorse the form. Once completed, take it back to the travel office, or call the ticket hotline on 01279 426349. You can also post it back to The Bus Depot, Fourth Avenue, Harlow, Essex CM20 1DU
 
The cost is �10 at age 14 or 15, �80 at age 16 or 17, �110 at ages 18 to 20, and enables the card-holder to obtain child-rate bus fares and passes for one year.
 
Please remember that the faresaver can only be used on Arriva, Network Harlow, Green Line and SX Connect services. A different ticket is available for residents of Herfordshire, e-mail us for details.

2 Do all buses in Harlow accept free travel passes for the over 60's

As far as we are aware, they are valid on all normal bus services, including Green Line 724 and in Essex they can be used from 9am to midnight on Mondays to Fridays, or at any time on Saturdays and Sundays. They are not be accepted on London commuter services, or on National Express or other long-distance coach services from Stansted Airport.

3
Can I use my Transport for London Oyster Card to travel to Harlow

No, Harlow is outside of the Transport for London area. Oyster cards can be purchased for travel on the tube as far from London as Epping, or by bus to Chingford, Loughton, Debden and Waltham Cross. Connections from there will need to be paid for separately.

4
Will I save money by buying a weekly or monthly pass.

Normally you will save money if you make 4 or more return journeys per week.

5
Is there a weekly pass that can be used on more than one operators routes.

Unfortunately there is not. If you need to make a regular journey that involves a change, it's best to plan it using the same operator if you can. The explorer ticket, or the Essex Saver, can be used on multiple operators services, but is only valid for one day at a time.

6
Can I use my return ticket on any bus?

You will need to use your return ticket on a bus of the same operator only. Having said that, you can consider that Arriva, TGM, Network Harlow, SX Connect and Green Line are the same operator as far as Harlow is concerned. It's also the case that SM Coaches, Roadrunner, Townlink, and Olympian or Olympus Bus and Coach are also effectively one operator for the purpose of return tickets.

7
My bus didn't run on time or didn't run at all, what can I do?

HarlowRide is a bus travel information site only and we are not responsible for the operation of any bus services. If you wish to make a complaint, we would suggest contacting the operator directly in the first instance. Contact details may be found on the links page.

8
Can you send me printed timetables by post?

HarlowRide is an internet only resource. Printed timetables are often available from the travel office in Harlow Bus Station. Alternatively, you could contact the operator directly. Essex County Council also publish a book of timetables for the area at a reasonable price.

9
Do you sell bus tickets or passes?

No, HarlowRide is a travel information site only.

10 
What is the quickest/cheapest way to get to London.

There are three options for travelling to London.

 - A direct train from Harlow Town Rail Stationor Harlow Mill Station to Tottenham Hale (for tube connections) or Liverpool Street. This is the quickest option, but is the highest cost. Services operate 7 days per week including late evenings. www.thetrainline.com offers on-line ticket sales.

 - Tube services from Epping are more cost effective, even adding the cost of a bus from Harlow to Epping. The journey time is likely to be 30-45 minutes longer overall, depending on where in Harlow you are travelling from. Services operate 7 days per week including late evenings, although the bus connection to Harlow in the evenings and on Sundays is only once per hour. 

- Olympian Coaches operate commuter coach services to London from Old Harlow, Church Langley and Potter Street. These are cost effective, will not take more time than the tube to most destinations, and you will be guaranteed a seat. They are only suitable for Monday to Friday rush hour travellers.