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Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Everyone who is eligible for free bus pass in England as Labour confirms major rule change – and those who will miss out
A petition calling for free bus passes for over-60s in England has now surpassed 101,000 signatures FARE DEAL Everyone who is eligible for free bus pass in England as Labour confirms major rule change – and those who will miss out Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DEMANDS for fairer travel passes for England's over-60s have been growing stronger. And as Labour confirms a major rule change - who will miss out? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 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, Wales, and Northern 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 The Star. 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. The petition argues the current rules are outdated and unfair.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 public pressure and local campaigning. With confirmed government backing for local flexibility, some councils could act — if residents persist on having their voices heard.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Everyone who is eligible for free bus pass in England as Labour confirms major rule change – and those who will miss out
DEMANDS for fairer travel passes for England's over-60s have been growing stronger. 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.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Everyone who is eligible for free bus pass in England as Labour confirms major rule change – and those who will miss out
DEMANDS for fairer travel passes for England's over-60s have been growing stronger. And as Labour confirms a major rule change - who will miss out? 1 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, Wales, and Northern 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 The Star. 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. 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 public pressure and local campaigning. With confirmed government backing for local flexibility, some councils could act — if residents persist on having their voices heard.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Free bus pass: update on UK senior and OAP bus passes age
A national push is growing to bring England in line with the rest of the UK on over-60s travel 🚌 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Local councils in England can offer free bus passes to over-60s if they fund it themselves Labour government confirms councils hold the power to lower the age threshold Currently, free bus travel in England starts at state pension age (66), unlike devolved nations A petition calling for national parity with Scotland and Wales has gained over 101,000 signatures Campaigners argue the current system is unfair and outdated for older people outside London Calls for fairer travel perks for England's over-60s are growing louder, as the Labour government confirmed local councils already have the power to lower the age threshold for free bus passes — if they can afford to. Currently, people in England qualify for free off-peak bus travel only once they reach state pension age — currently 66. But in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, residents enjoy this benefit from the age of 60. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 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. (Photo:) | Getty Images 'The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) costs around £700 million annually,' Lightwood said. 'Any changes to the statutory obligations… would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability.' But 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. The petition argues the current rules are outdated and unfair. It says: 'As people get older, some over 60s drive less and less. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad '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 aged between 60 and 66 in England and wondering when you'll be eligible for free bus travel, the answer may 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 — if there's the political will and the budget to do so. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whether that happens may now come down to public pressure and local campaigning. With confirmed government backing for local flexibility, some councils could act — especially if residents make their voices heard. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Free bus pass: update on UK senior and OAP bus passes age
A national push is growing to bring England in line with the rest of the UK on over-60s travel 🚌 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Local councils in England can offer free bus passes to over-60s if they fund it themselves Labour government confirms councils hold the power to lower the age threshold Currently, free bus travel in England starts at state pension age (66), unlike devolved nations A petition calling for national parity with Scotland and Wales has gained over 101,000 signatures Campaigners argue the current system is unfair and outdated for older people outside London Calls for fairer travel perks for England's over-60s are growing louder, as the Labour government confirmed local councils already have the power to lower the age threshold for free bus passes — if they can afford to. Currently, people in England qualify for free off-peak bus travel only once they reach state pension age — currently 66. But in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, residents enjoy this benefit from the age of 60. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 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. (Photo:) | Getty Images 'The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) costs around £700 million annually,' Lightwood said. 'Any changes to the statutory obligations… would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability.' But 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. The petition argues the current rules are outdated and unfair. It says: 'As people get older, some over 60s drive less and less. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad '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 aged between 60 and 66 in England and wondering when you'll be eligible for free bus travel, the answer may 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 — if there's the political will and the budget to do so. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whether that happens may now come down to public pressure and local campaigning. With confirmed government backing for local flexibility, some councils could act — especially if residents make their voices heard.
