Free bus pass in England latest as Government issues update
The Department for Transport has issued a fresh update on the mounting pressure to provide travellers on buses in England with the same concessions as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A parliamentary petition has garnered significant support, with over 63,000 people advocating for a change in policy.
Presently, people over 60 years old in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are entitled to free bus travel. However, in England, it is up to local authorities, which often face financial constraints, to provide funding for such initiatives. As a result, free bus travel for the over-60s is only available in a handful of areas, including Merseyside and London.
The petition, which has amassed 63,285 signatures, 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."
In a recent Parliamentary inquiry, Labour's Markus Campbell-Savours quizzed Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander about the effects of granting free bus passes to those 60 and over on various aspects including social inclusion, the economy, and the environment, reports Lancs Live.
Answering the query, Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Lightwood from the Department for Transport warned that such a move might come with a hefty price tag, yet indicated there's a glimmer of hope as local authorities have received funds in the most recent financial agreement which could be channelled towards this purpose.
He explained: "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.
"No assessment has been made of the potential impact of lowering the age on social inclusion, the economy or the environment.
"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.
"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."
To view the petition and a full response from the Department for Transport click here.
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