The Government has responded to the petition urging for free bus travel rules in England and Wales to change. The petition surged past 10,000 signatures so a response was needed
The Government has been forced to respond to a popular petition clamouring for free bus travel age in England and Wales to be dropped to 60, just like its neighbours. After more than 10,000 people signed the online appeal, officials from the Department for Transport had to give an official statement.
They highlighted the hefty £700 million annual bill of the current scheme which provides free off-peak travel for over-66s in England. While local authorities can choose to offer extra perks, and places like London and Merseyside already grant free travel to those over 60, there’s hesitation about the financial implications of rolling it out nationwide.
The petition, initiated by Karen Hickman, points out the disparity that over-60s in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales enjoy compared to their English counterparts. It asserts: “We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60.”
Free bus pass rules as some Brits born before 1964 can get one now
Campaigners are calling for a shake-up in the rules for free bus travel, arguing that people outside London should get the same benefits as those in the capital. They say: “Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
The Department for Transport responded with caution, citing financial considerations: “The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme costs around £700 million annually. Any changes to the statutory scheme must be carefully considered for their impact on its financial sustainability.”, reports Bristol Live.
They further stressed the value of the existing scheme: “The government wants everyone to have access to public transport and is committed to improving services. We also recognise the importance of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) in supporting local bus travel, assisting with access to essential local services and helping those who use it to stay active and avoid isolation.”
Highlighting the current provisions, the department added: “The ENCTS provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.”
“Local authorities in England do have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, by extending the age of eligibility for the older persons’ bus pass. These are additional local concessions provided and funded by local authorities from local resources, depending on the needs and priorities of each area.”
“At the Budget on 30 October, the government confirmed a £1 billion boost for buses, of which £712 million has been allocated to local authorities to support and improve bus services. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area.”
“Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area and as such, the eligibility age for the bus pass differs between the devolved nations of the United Kingdom. This means, in effect, that there are different schemes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the administrative arrangements are entirely separate.”
In England, some councils offer free travel for those over 60, but it’s not a universal benefit. Merseytravel, for instance, provides free travel on all buses, trains and Mersey Ferries river crossings for anyone aged 60 or over who resides in Merseyside.
However, most local authorities, currently under significant financial strain, only offer the statutory pass at 66.
A petition calling for change has already garnered 16,000 signatures. If it reaches 100,000, it could potentially be debated in Parliament.
To add your name to the list, click here.
