Everyone who is eligible for free bus pass in England as Labour confirms major rule change – and those who will miss out
And as Labour confirms a major rule change - who will miss out?
1
Demands for fairer travel passes for England's over-60s have been growing stronger.
Credit: Getty
Those eligible for a free bus pass in England
Currently, people in England that live outside London, only qualify for free off-peak bus travel once they reach state pension age which is currently 66.
But in Scotland,
Ireland
, residents enjoy this benefit from the age of 60.
In response to a parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton,
Transport
Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that English
councils
can choose to offer additional local concessions,
Such as earlier eligibility for free bus passes — but must fund them themselves reports
News
Lightwood said: 'The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) costs around £700 million annually.
'Any changes to the statutory obligations… would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability.'
Petition surpasses 101,000 signatures
The revelation that councils already have this
power
has given fresh
energy
to campaigners.
A petition calling for the ENCTS to be expanded nationally to include all over-60s in
England
— not just those in
London
— has now surpassed 101,000 signatures.
Most read in The Sun
The petition argues the current rules are outdated and unfair.
It says: 'As people get older, some over 60s drive less and less.
The Selfish Travel Trend Annoying Public Transport Users Everywhere
'We believe we need equality on public transport.
"It would mean
England
had the same provision as
Scotland
,
Wales
and Northern Ireland.'
What does this mean for you?
If you're 60 or over and live in a London borough, you can get free travel on the bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services in London with an Oyster photocard.
But if you're aged between 60 and 66 in
England
and don't live in London the answer as to when you'll be eligible for free bus travel, could depend on where you live.
While there's no national plan yet to lower the threshold, your local council can introduce an over-60s scheme.
It all comes down to
With confirmed government backing for local flexibility, some councils could act — if residents persist on having their voices heard.
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