Campaign for free bus passes for over 60s in England passes key threshold
A public outcry is mounting as campaigners push for the government to introduce free bus passes for over 60s in England, mirroring benefits already available in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. A parliamentary petition has surged past the 75,000 mark, edging closer to triggering a debate on what many see as an unfair policy that leaves English seniors out of pocket.
While residents in Merseyside and London enjoy free travel from 60, elsewhere in England, the age threshold is set at 66, with cash-strapped local authorities left to foot the bill. The campaign, created by Karen Hickman, is gaining momentum, with MPs raising questions and ministers indicating that funds exist for councils willing to tap into them.
Hickman's petition demands: "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."
Just last week, an MP raised a question on this matter, receiving a response that explained how one source of funding was already available. Liberal Democrat MP Pippa Heylings posed a new question to the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander: "if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the eligibility criteria for an older person's bus pass to include people over the age of 60 in England.", reports Lancs Live.
Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, responded yesterday (June 10): "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, 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. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority have been allocated £10.5 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."
In England the over 66s can get concessionary travel which allows them to travel:
To view the petition, sign up, and read the full DfT response click here.
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