Two key funding updates and campaigners are awaiting a Parliament showdown date
People over the age of 60 in Wales, NI and Scotland get free bus passes – but it’s not automatic in England, sparking a campaign(Image: Getty)
Campaigners pressing for travellers in England to get concessionary bus passes at the same age as those in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have won two major updates from the government this month – with hope being given that available funding could be used.
Currently, the devolved governments give people free bus travel from the age of 60 – in England, however, it is down to cash-strapped local authorities to fund – meaning it’s only available in very few places, such as Merseyside and London.
A huge petition has just closed on the Parliament website – with more than 100,000 signatures. This means that it should be debated by MPs which could more pressure on the Department for Transport (DfT) to lay out its position, and also specifically answer the questions raised. A date has not been set but is expected to be announced imminently.
The petition says: “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.”
Now in July the DfT has replied to two MPs who asked about the subject. Liberal Democrat Dr Al Pinkerton asked Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander: “What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of extending free bus pass eligibility to people aged over 60 in Surrey Heath constituency.”
In a further Parliamentary written question, Liberal Democrat Josh Babarinde asked Transport Secretary of State Heidi Alexander: “whether she plans to lower the age of free bus travel eligibility to 60 in (a) Eastbourne and (b) England.”
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) Simon Lightwood replied that any national change would have a large financial implication – but local authorities have been allocated money this financial year which they could use.
He said: “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.
“However, 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. Surrey County Council has been allocated £12.1 million of this funding. 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.”
The petition and full response from the Department for Transport to the petition can be viewed here.