Calls to change free bus travel scheme for people over 60 nears important UK Government milestone
The national entitlement scheme operates UK-wide but there are different eligibility age rules under devolved governments.
Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible?
Nearly 80,000 people have signed an online petition supporting calls for changes to be made to the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) and bring it into line with the same service provided by the Scottish Government for people over 60 living north of the border.
People can sign the e-petition until Friday, June 27 and if it reaches 100,000 signatures of support, it will be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.
Petition creator Karen Hickman argues the current scheme is 'unjust' and calls for 'equality for everyone over 60'. The campaigner explained people in England, living outside London, are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach State Pension age - 66 for both men and women - which she believes has 'changed dramatically.'
The 'extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England' petition states: '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.'
Earlier this month, Labour MP Markus Campbell-Savours has urged the UK Government to consider the 'potential impact of introducing free bus passes for people aged 60 and over on social inclusion, the economy and the environment.
The written question from the Penrith and Solway MP is similar to the proposal put forward in the petition by Ms Hickman.
In a written response, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, explained how the ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and 'any changes to the statutory obligations would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability'.
He continued: ' No assessment has been made of the potential impact of lowering the age on social inclusion, the economy or the environment.'
However, he added that local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, which includes lowering the age of eligibility.
He explained that 'additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources'.
Mr Lightwood added: '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 local areas to support the local economy and environment.'
There are two broad categories of people eligible for the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme - older people and eligible disabled people. Both men and women are eligible for concessionary travel in England when they reach state pension age, 60 in Scotland.
Eligibility for concessionary travel may vary depending on local authorities and the specific terms of the concessionary travel scheme in place.
National Entitlement Card in Scotland
In Scotland, people over 60 are eligible to apply for the National Entitlement Card (NEC), which is administered by the Scottish Government. It is Scotland's National Smartcard, offering access to many public services across the country.
The card gives elderly and disabled people free bus travel across Scotland and, through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, also provides reductions on train, Subway and ferry fares.
The NEC is valid for up to three years, but in a change to the renewal process, SPT no longer sends out renewal forms to disabled card holders. This means everyone with a card - sometimes referred to as a 'Saltire card' - should check the expiry date to make sure they will be able to enjoy uninterrupted entitlement to travel concessions.
SPT recommends applying for a renewal card at least five weeks before the expiry date. It's also important to be aware guidance on the SPT website states the Concessionary Travel Card Unit at Buchanan Bus Station will be closed for in person applications until further notice.
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