Public transport is an essential service for millions of older people across the UK, ensuring mobility, social inclusion, and access to healthcare. However, unlike their counterparts in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, over-60s in England (outside London) must wait until they reach state pension age (currently 66) before qualifying for free bus travel.
This discrepancy has led to increasing frustration, with many arguing that England is falling behind in transport accessibility. Now, a petition launched by campaigner Karen Hickman is urging the UK government to extend free bus travel to all over-60s in England, bringing the country in line with the rest of the UK.
With thousands already backing the initiative, campaigners are hopeful that the government will reconsider its stance. But will this push be enough to force a change in policy?
Why Are Campaigners Pushing for Change?
For many older people, public transport is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. As individuals age, many drive less or give up driving altogether, making reliable and affordable transport crucial for maintaining independence, social connections, and access to essential services.
The petition argues that the current system is unfair and outdated, stating:
“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.”
Campaigners highlight that the rising cost of living is making public transport unaffordable for many older individuals, forcing them to cut back on travel or rely on costly alternatives. Extending free bus travel could:
- Improve quality of life by allowing over-60s to travel freely to social activities, healthcare appointments, and essential services.
- Reduce car dependency, leading to less congestion and lower emissions in urban areas.
- Support local businesses by encouraging people to travel more frequently.
How Does England Compare to the Rest of the UK?
Under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS), residents in England must wait until they reach state pension age (currently 66) to qualify for free bus travel. However, the rest of the UK offers a much lower age threshold:
- Scotland – Free bus travel is available to all residents over 60 through the National Entitlement Card.
- Wales – Over-60s can access free bus travel under the Concessionary Travel Card scheme.
- Northern Ireland – The SmartPass system allows those aged 60 and over to travel for free on buses and trains.
The petition emphasizes this inequality, stating:
“It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.”
Many believe this disparity needs to be addressed, especially as the state pension age continues to rise, potentially delaying access to free bus travel for future retirees.
What Needs to Happen for the Petition to Succeed?
The petition, hosted on the UK Parliament website, has already gathered thousands of signatures. If it reaches:
- 10,000 signatures, the government must provide a formal response.
- 100,000 signatures, the issue will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Campaigners hope that increased public pressure will force the government to reassess its transport policy, particularly as more people become reliant on buses due to economic pressures and changing mobility needs.
The petition also points out that the current system does not reflect the reality of aging, stating:
“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.”
However, the government has previously resisted calls for change, citing concerns about budget constraints and regional transport policies.
Would Expanding Free Bus Travel Be Feasible?
While campaigners argue that expanding free bus travel would benefit millions, the government has raised concerns about the financial impact on local councils and transport providers.
Providing free bus passes to hundreds of thousands of additional people would likely cost hundreds of millions of pounds annually. Critics argue that instead of expanding eligibility, the government should prioritize improving overall public transport services, especially in rural areas where bus networks remain limited or unreliable.
However, countries that invest heavily in public transport have seen long-term economic benefits, including:
- Reduced traffic congestion in major cities.
- Lower carbon emissions, improving urban air quality.
- Better public health outcomes, as more people choose active travel over driving.
If the government chooses not to act, some councils may introduce their own local concessionary schemes, as seen in some regions where additional discounts are already available for over-60s.
What Happens Next?
The petition is still gaining traction, but it remains to be seen whether it will reach the 100,000 signatures required for a parliamentary debate.
For now, campaigners are urging more people to sign the petition and put pressure on the government, emphasizing that free bus travel for over-60s is about fairness, accessibility, and supporting an aging population.
With the debate now in the public spotlight, the question remains: Will the UK government align England’s transport policy with the rest of the UK, or will over-60s continue to wait until retirement for free travel?
