From April 2026, millions of older people in England will have to wait longer to get their free bus pass, as the State Pension age begins its next scheduled rise. The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that the eligibility threshold for concessionary travel will shift from 66 to 67.
This update aligns with the timetable set out in the Pensions Act 2014. According to reporting by the Manchester Evening News, the change will apply nationwide, unless local authorities decide otherwise. The adjustment will affect when individuals become entitled to a free bus pass under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
A One-Year Delay for Free Travel Starts in April 2026
The change means that from April 2026, future pensioners in England will become eligible for their free bus pass a full year later than now. This is tied directly to the planned increase in the State Pension age, which is moving from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
According to the Pensions Act 2014, the update will impact those born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977. These individuals will now receive both their State Pension and bus pass at 67, instead of 66.
How Free Bus Travel Works Today
Under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, eligible individuals currently get free off-peak local bus travel from the age of 66. That includes weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays.
The system applies to people of State Pension age or those with qualifying disabilities, and it costs the government approximately £700 million per year, according to official figures.
A spokesperson for the DfT confirmed:
“The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme costs around £700 million annually. Any changes to the statutory scheme must be carefully considered for their impact on its financial sustainability.”
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Offer More
While the policy shift affects England only, it’s drawing criticism because the other nations in the UK still provide free bus travel from age 60. That includes Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
This gap has fuelled public frustration—and now political pressure.
A petition launched on the UK Parliament website has already gathered over 100,000 signatures, demanding equality for older people in England. It calls for the same age threshold (60) to apply across the country.
The petition reads:
“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.”
It continues:
“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.”
Local Councils Hold Some Power—but Limited Budgets
The DfT has responded, emphasizing that local authorities in England have discretion to introduce additional concessions—but they must fund them independently.
“Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, by lowering the age of eligibility. These are additional local concessions provided and funded by local authorities from local resources, depending on the needs and priorities of each area.”
That said, most councils face budgetary constraints, and widespread adoption of lower-age concessions remains unlikely.
Government: Funding Available, Choices Local
As part of a recent transport funding initiative, the UK Government announced a £1 billion boost for buses, with £712 million earmarked specifically for local authorities.
“At the Budget on 30 October, the government confirmed a £1 billion boost for buses, of which £712 million has been allocated to local authorities to support and improve bus services,” the DfT said.
“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.”
But there’s a catch:
“Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area, and as such, the eligibility age for the bus pass differs between the devolved nations of the United Kingdom. This means, in effect, that there are different schemes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the administrative arrangements are entirely separate.”
Reform or Roadblock? Transport Secretary Under Pressure
The rising age for free travel comes amid ongoing reforms in England’s bus network. The DfT has framed these changes as part of a wider strategy to modernize public transport and make it more reliable.
“We fully recognise bus passes are vital to many older people, providing access to essential services and keeping people connected through free local travel,” a spokesperson said.
“We’re already in the process of making ambitious reforms to improve bus services for all passengers and supporting local areas to improve reliability and affordability.”
Still, with a formal debate in Parliament now expected, Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, is likely to face questions about why England lags behind other parts of the UK when it comes to fair access to free public transport.
Beyond 2028: Another Rise Already Planned
Looking ahead, another shift is already on the books: the State Pension age is expected to increase again, from 67 to 68, sometime between 2044 and 2046.
If current policy holds, that would mean the free bus pass age would also move up again, adding yet another layer to the debate about what “retirement age” really means in modern Britain.
