A growing campaign to extend free bus travel to people over 60 in England has gained significant attention, with a petition gathering over 41,000 signatures. As reported by Devon Live, the petition aims to address the disparity between England and other parts of the UK, where over-60s in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland enjoy free public transport, while those in England must wait until they reach 66.
Supporters of the campaign argue that older citizens in England should have the same access to affordable transport as their counterparts in other parts of the UK, particularly as people aged 60 and above often drive less and rely more on public transport.
The Push for Reform and Parliamentary Questions
Nottingham Reform MP Lee Anderson has pressed Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander to assess whether it would be feasible to extend free bus travel to everyone over 60 in England, outside of London. Similarly, Liberal Democrat Helen Maguire also raised concerns, questioning whether the Department for Transport (DfT) has conducted an assessment of the benefits of enabling over-60s to travel for free across England. These questions were answered by Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the DfT, who noted that the decision ultimately lies with local authorities.
Lightwood explained:
“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.”
While the DfT has confirmed that local authorities have the power to offer additional concessions, including lowering the age eligibility for free bus travel, such decisions are ultimately dependent on local funding. For example, some areas, such as Merseyside and Transport for London, have extended additional bus travel concessions, but this is not consistent across the country.
The Potential Impact of Expanding Free Bus Travel
If the proposal moves forward, it could lead to significant changes in how local authorities handle public transportation funding. The government has already allocated £955 million for bus services in England for the 2025-2026 financial year, with £712 million directed to local authorities to improve bus services and make them more accessible. This funding could be used at the discretion of local councils, potentially allowing them to extend discretionary concessions, including lowering the age of eligibility for free bus passes.
However, the costs associated with expanding free travel to all individuals over 60 need careful consideration. As highlighted by Karen Hickman, who posted the petition on Parliament’s website, the current system is unjust and unfairly disadvantages people in England who are not in London. Hickman argued:
“Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. 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.”
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it could prompt a formal debate in Parliament, bringing even more attention to the issue and increasing the likelihood of a nationwide policy shift.
Is It Time for a Change in Public Transport Equality?
With significant public support for extending free bus travel to over-60s in England, the growing petition is putting pressure on government officials to reconsider the current eligibility requirements. As the debate continues to unfold, many argue that it is only fair to provide equal access to transport for older citizens across all regions of the UK. By aligning England’s policy with that of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the government could help ensure that no elderly person is left behind when it comes to public mobility and independence.
The outcome of this petition and the possible changes to bus pass eligibility could have a lasting impact on the lives of over-60s across the country, allowing for greater equality in public transport access.
