The UK's Department for Transport has spoken out amid the growing demand for bus passes to be given to those aged 60 and above in England. A significant movement has been underway as English residents seek to match the provisions enjoyed by their Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish counterparts.
The devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland offer unconditional free bus travel to people aged 60 years. However, in England, local councils can only extend this benefit if they can allocate their own resources, reports the Manchester Evening News.
As such, some areas like London and Merseyside have restricted access. With many councils facing financial strains, the availability remains thin.
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To address this gap, a parliamentary petition has gained momentum, earning the support of 55,032 people seeking free bus passes to begin at the age of 60. Against this backdrop, MP Rachel Gilmour (Liberal Democrat) recently enquired with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander: "What assessment her Department has made of the merits of introducing free bus passes for people aged 60 and over."
The Transport Department’s response, issued by Under-Secretary Simon Lightwood, recognized that changing these practices would bring financial implications. Nevertheless, the Department pointed out that fresh funding is being put into place for bus transportation outside of London,
These allocations could, in theory, give local authorities the means to fund free bus passes for over 60s. He explained: "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (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.", as reported by Lancs Live.
"Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations such as lowering the age of eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources.
"The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Devon County Council and Somerset Council have been allocated £11.6 and £6.8 million of this funding respectively. 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."
A campaign for extending free bus travel to everyone over 60 across England is gaining momentum, with a petition amassing more than 53,000 signatures on the Parliament website. It is already halfway towards potentially sparking a debate in the House of Commons.
The petition advocates the principle: "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."
The main point raised by supporters is the discrepancy in benefits compared to Londoners, who can access free bus travel at the age of 60, while others must wait until they reach the state pension age—a policy that they deem unfair. According to the campaigners: "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 invitation "To view the petition click here" provides an online link for those who wish to read further or add their support by signing the petition.
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