![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_JRP_MEN_040225_bus_008JPG.jpg\")
Bus fares in England for all passengers are currently capped at \u00a33 until 2027(Image: Jason Roberts \/Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\nFree bus travel for under-22s would “equalise opportunity,” according to MPs<\/p>\n
12:27, 13 Aug 2025Updated 15:30, 13 Aug 2025<\/p>\n
Bus fares in England for all passengers are currently capped at \u00a33 until 2027(Image: Jason Roberts \/Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n
MPs are calling on the Government to fund free bus travel<\/a> for everyone under the age of 22 in England. Free bus travel would improve young people\u2019s access to \u201cwork<\/a> and skills opportunities,\u201d according to the Transport Select Committee.<\/p>\n Free bus travel is already offered to under-22s in Scotland<\/a> and parts of England offer discounted or free bus travel for young people, such as London<\/a> for 16 and 17-year-olds.<\/p>\n People aged 16-21 in Wales<\/a> are entitled to a one-third discount on fares, and from next month will be able to travel for \u00a31 per journey. Bus fares in England for all passengers are capped at \u00a33 until March 2027.<\/p>\n But the Transport Select Committee has made the recommendation to make the discount universal for those under 22, saying that it would improve young people\u2019s access to \u201cwork and skills opportunities\u201d and \u201chelp embed long-term public transport use\u201d.<\/p>\n It comes after recent calls for over 60s in England to be given universal free bus travel<\/a>. Currently most people in England receive a free bus pass once they reach the State Pension<\/a> age of 66, but it’s down to local authorities across the country to provide the service.<\/p>\n The State Pension age is set to start rising from 66 to 67 from 2026<\/a>, with the increase expected to be fully implemented for men and women by 2028.<\/p>\n In a report on buses, the select committee said: \u201cEngland\u2019s patchwork of local youth concessions contrasts with national schemes in Scotland and Wales.<\/p>\n \u201cA coherent national approach to ensure fair access across England is essential if the Government is serious about driving economic growth, which depends on removing barriers to education, training, and employment for the next generation.\u201d<\/p>\n The report described public transport as a \u201cmajor barrier to employment for young people\u201d, especially in places with limited services.<\/p>\n It added: \u201cIn some areas, transport is restricting opportunity rather than enabling it.\u201d<\/p>\n The committee urged the Government to reform the way local bus services are funded, with longer-term settlements.<\/p>\n It also called for a national ambition for a minimum level on public transport connectivity.<\/p>\n Department for Transport (DfT) figures show the number of bus journeys taken in England outside London fell by 22% from 4.6 billion in 2009 to 3.6 billion in 2024.<\/p>\n