A growing campaign is calling for a nationwide change in England, urging the government to extend free bus travel to those over 60. This would align with the benefits already provided to senior citizens in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has suggested that a £955 million funding boost could allow local authorities to lower the eligibility age for free bus passes.
A Growing Call for Equal Travel Rights
In England, bus passes for the over-60s are limited, with free travel available only to those who reach the state pension age, currently 66. However, across Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, individuals over 60 are already entitled to similar benefits.
According to the petition organisers, this discrepancy is unfair and unjust. The petition, started by Karen Hickman, has already attracted over 74,000 signatures, bringing it closer to the 100,000 threshold needed for a parliamentary debate. Once it reaches this milestone, the issue will be discussed in Parliament, potentially accelerating calls for change.
The government’s announcement that £955 million in funding for local authorities could be used to extend these benefits has brought the issue back into the spotlight. This funding could provide the necessary resources for councils to consider expanding eligibility for free bus passes in their regions.
While the move could align England’s travel policies with those of other UK nations, it also raises questions about the financial sustainability of the existing system.
Local Authorities Hold the Key
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free bus travel to eligible disabled people and those of state pension age, as defined by the government.
However, the cost of this scheme stands at approximately £700 million annually, a figure that requires careful consideration before any expansions are made. The government has stated that any changes must be financially sustainable, and local authorities currently have the discretion to extend these benefits at their own expense.
The £955 million funding allocation for 2025-2026, which is being distributed to local councils, offers flexibility. According to the Department for Transport, the funds can be used to improve local bus services, including offering additional concessions.
For areas like Merseyside and London, where the over-60s already benefit from reduced travel costs, this funding could potentially be used to extend free travel for seniors across more of the country. However, local councils must decide how to allocate the resources, with some already facing budget constraints.
While the petition calls for equality in public transport access, the debate surrounding the over-60s bus pass remains complex.
The government is still weighing the implications of any changes, considering both the financial impact and the potential benefits for millions of older citizens. The upcoming parliamentary debate will likely serve as a key moment in determining the future of free bus travel for seniors in England.
