Thousands of people in England will have to wait longer for a free bus pass as eligibility begins rising alongside the State Pension age from September 2026.
The qualifying age for free local bus travel will gradually increase from 66 to 67 by April 2028, affecting people born on or after April 16, 1960, under rules connected to Department for Work and Pensions age thresholds.
Why The Free Bus Pass Age Is Changing
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme is linked to the State Pension age, meaning changes to pension eligibility also affect when some residents can receive free bus travel.
People born between August 6, 1960, and September 5, 1960, will face the first delays from September 2026. They will need to reach 66 years plus additional months before becoming eligible for their pass.
The change follows the Pensions Act 2014, which introduced the timetable for increasing the State Pension age from 66 to 67.
Who Will Be Affected By The New Rules
According to the Liverpool Echo, the revised timetable means some older residents will see their free bus pass dates move as the pension age increases.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said:
“We fully recognise bus passes are vital to many older people, providing access to essential services and keeping people connected through free local travel.”
People can check their individual eligibility date through the government’s online State Pension age tool.
Exceptions For London And Disabled Residents
The national change does not apply to every traveller. London residents aged 60 and above can still apply for the 60+ Oyster Photocard, allowing earlier access to concessionary travel benefits.
Disabled residents can continue to qualify for local bus passes at any adult age, depending on local authority criteria.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate separate systems, with free local bus passes still available to residents aged 60 and over.
The first changes to England’s free bus pass eligibility begin in September 2026, with the qualifying age set to reach 67 by April 2028.
