New UK Government update on free bus travel scheme for people over 60
The UK Government has confirmed that local authorities in England 'do have the power' to lower the age of eligibility for the older persons' bus pass in a written response from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton. The MP for Surrey Heath asked if any assessment has been made of the 'potential merits of extending free bus pass eligibility to people aged over 60'.
Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area, which means the eligibility age for the free bus travel scheme differs between Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the free travel boost is provided for those aged 60 and over, but south of the border it is typically issued to those of State Pension age.
However, in the written response, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, explained that 'local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility'.
Mr Lightwood 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.'
He also said that the UK Government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025/26 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London.
This includes £243m for bus operators and £712m allocated to local authorities across the country.
He 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.'
Online petition
More than 101,200 people signed an online petition supporting calls for changes to be made to the ENCTS and bring it into line with the same service provided by the Scottish Government.
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.'
It has been waiting 21 days for a decision by the Petitions Parliament committee on whether t will be put forward for debate in Parliament.
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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