A growing campaign for bus travel is quietly gaining support across England, as thousands rally behind a cause that’s already law elsewhere in the UK. According to DevonLive, a petition is gathering pace, calling for changes that could affect how older residents get around.
With over 49,000 signatures and rising, the initiative is on track to reach a critical threshold in Parliament — one that could spark a broader political discussion in the months ahead.
Current Policy Limits Eligibility to State Pension Age
In England, statutory free bus travel under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) is only available to people who have reached the state pension age, currently set at 66. The scheme also covers those with eligible disabilities.
According to the Department for Transport, the ENCTS costs around £700 million annually.
Responding to recent parliamentary questions, Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Transport, stated :
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.
Devolved Governments Fund Earlier Access
In contrast to England’s approach, the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland provide nationwide free bus travel from the age of 60. This policy gap has prompted growing calls for parity, especially as inflation continues to affect older residents.
Campaigners argue that aligning the English system with the rest of the UK would reduce regional inequalities and support active ageing. In England, only a few areas — notably London and Merseyside — currently fund free travel for over-60s, using local resources.
Pressure From Parliament as Petition Grows
With the petition surpassing 49,000 signatures, political pressure is mounting. If it reaches 100,000, the issue becomes eligible for debate in the House of Commons.
Two MPs have submitted written questions on the matter. Lee Anderson, Reform UK MP for Nottingham, asked Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander :
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England, outside of London.
Liberal Democrat MP Helen Maguire posed a related question:
What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of enabling people over 60 to travel for free on public transport in England.
In both cases, the government reiterated its stance that the issue falls under local jurisdiction.
Local Authorities Face Funding Challenges
The Department for Transport confirmed that local councils already have the authority to introduce concessions. As Lightwood clarified :
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.
Despite this, most councils are facing severe budgetary pressures and have not adopted such measures.
Bus Funding for 2025–2026 and Local Flexibility
The UK government has allocated £955 million to support and improve bus services in England outside London for the 2025–2026 financial year. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million for local authorities.
Surrey County Council, for example, has received an allocation of £12 million. The government has emphasized that these funds may be used flexibly.
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 the local area.
The petition is fast approaching the 100,000-signature threshold, drawing increased attention to the question of bus fare fairness for older adults in England.
Whether this growing public pressure will lead to a Commons debate or influence government policy remains to be seen, but support for the campaign shows no sign of slowing.
