Labour’s Silence Over Free Bus Travel for Over-60s in England Set to Break

As Labour prepares to respond to growing calls, a petition has reached over 100,000 signatures, demanding free bus travel for all over-60s in England. The current disparity, where London residents enjoy this benefit but others must wait until they reach the State Pension age, has sparked controversy.

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England bus travel update
England bus travel update. credit : shutterstock | en.Econostrum.info - United Kingdom

A petition calling for free bus travel for all over-60s in England, excluding London, has surpassed 100,000 signatures, prompting significant political debate. With the UK’s political climate changing, this push for equality in transport benefits could reshape the landscape for elderly commuters.

As it stands, people aged 60 and above in England who do not live in London are not eligible for free bus travel until they reach the State Pension age. In contrast, residents of London can travel for free on buses, the Tube, and other public transport networks from the age of 60. 

According to campaigners, the current situation is discriminatory and fails to accommodate the needs of older citizens outside the capital, particularly as many over-60s start relying more on public transport.

Petition Garners Momentum

A parliamentary petition set up by Karen Hickman has now gathered more than 100,000 signatures, a threshold that guarantees a debate in Parliament. The petition argues that the current system is outdated and calls for an extension of free bus travel to all over-60s across England, aligning with policies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 

“We believe the current situation is unjust,” the petition states, adding that older people are increasingly dependent on buses as they drive less due to age-related factors.

In England, the government provides free bus travel for those over the State Pension age, but the age limit varies. Residents in London enjoy free transport benefits at 60, while in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, people also receive free travel at the same age. 

According to Age UK, several bus operators such as National Express offer discount cards for older and disabled passengers, but these are not an alternative to a universal free travel scheme.

Financial Sustainability and the Cost of Change

The issue has raised concerns about the financial impact on the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, which costs around £700 million annually. 

The government would need to carefully assess the long-term sustainability of extending free travel to people under State Pension age. In the face of mounting support for the change, it remains to be seen how Parliament will balance this desire for equity with the need for fiscal responsibility.

A parliamentary debate on the matter is expected in the coming days, setting the stage for a broader discussion on how to ensure equal access to public transport for all older citizens across the country.

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