A new statement from the Department for Transport (DfT) has revived discussions around the possibility of offering free bus travel for people aged 60 and over in England, as local authorities are now being encouraged to consider using recent government funding to expand concessionary schemes. As reported by Devon Live, the update follows increasing pressure from campaigners and MPs, who argue that older residents in England should have the same access to free travel as those in other parts of the UK.
Question in Parliament Revives Debate
The topic returned to the political spotlight after Liberal Democrat MP Rachel Gilmour formally asked the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, what assessment the department had made of offering free bus passes to those aged 60 and over. In response, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the DfT, Simon Lightwood, confirmed that while the idea has merits, changes to the current framework would have significant financial implications.
He stated that the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) already provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and individuals who have reached the state pension age—currently 66. According to Lightwood, “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.”
Local Councils Could Extend Eligibility
Although there are no immediate plans to change national policy, the government has made it clear that local authorities have the power to go further. Simon Lightwood explained that councils can offer additional concessions, including lowering the age threshold to 60, as long as they fund the extension from their own resources. “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,” he said.
This approach leaves the door open for region-specific schemes to emerge, depending on local priorities and budget availability. It also reflects the model seen in areas like London and Merseyside, where local over-60s already benefit from free travel.
New Funding Adds Flexibility
Crucially, the DfT has confirmed that £955 million will be allocated for bus services in England (outside London) in the 2025–2026 financial year. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million for local authorities, creating new opportunities for councils to fund discretionary travel schemes.
Simon Lightwood noted that authorities can allocate this funding based on their local needs and priorities. “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,” he stated.
Devon County Council and Somerset Council, for example, have been allocated £11.6 million and £6.8 million respectively, which campaigners hope could be used to reintroduce or expand free travel for residents aged 60 and above.
