A petition calling for all over-60s to be given free bus travel throughout England has triggered a parliamentary debate, with MPs set to scrutinise the issue
A major breakthrough has been achieved today in the fight to deliver equal concessionary bus travel across England, bringing it in line with the benefits that residents in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland already enjoy.
A substantial petition on the Parliament website is demanding that all individuals over 60 should receive free bus travel throughout England.
At present, this provision only exists in areas where local authorities have chosen to fund it, leaving just a handful of regions with adequate resources, such as Merseyside and London. The petition surpassed the 100,000 signature threshold several months ago, triggering a mandatory Parliamentary debate.
This compels the Government to outline its stance and justify its position, thereby intensifying the pressure for reform.
A date has now been confirmed for this crucial debate, with MPs set to examine this vital issue affecting millions of over-60s on January 5.
The petition, which can be found here, declares: “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.
“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.”
After the petition garnered 10,000 signatures, the Department for Transport responded by acknowledging that such changes would necessitate significant financial resources. The department stated: ” 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.
“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.”
The department revealed that cash had been handed out to local authorities, which could be used at a regional level to alter concessionary travel schemes – provided the council deemed this a priority.
The DfT stated: “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 [2024], 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.”
Regarding the postcode lottery that sees residents in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland receiving passes whilst English folk miss out, the DfT explained: “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.”
The Department for Transport has confirmed that from April next year, English residents will have to wait an additional year before they can claim their free bus pass. Despite a significant campaign for equal concessionary travel rights as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – where free bus travel starts at 60 – England limits free travel to those aged 66 and over, in line with the state pension age.
This is unless local authorities, such as those in London and Merseyside, opt to fund the provision themselves. From next year, the waiting period for a free pass in England will extend by another 12 months.
This change corresponds with the planned increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67, set to be fully implemented across the UK by 2028 for both men and women.
This modification to the official retirement age has been in the pipeline since 2014, with a further increase from 67 to 68 expected between 2044 and 2046.
To view the petition and the government response, click here.
