Campaigners argue the current system is unfair, with only select areas such as London and Merseyside offering travel support before the state pension age. The debate now forces the Government to respond, putting England’s transport policy under fresh scrutiny.
Unequal Access to Free Bus Travel Sparks National Petition
Campaigners have long highlighted the disparity between public transport rights in England and the rest of the United Kingdom. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, residents are eligible for free bus travel from the age of 60. In contrast, most people in England must wait until they reach the state pension age of 66, a threshold that is set to rise to 67 by 2028.
According to the official UK Parliament petitions website, a campaign to extend free bus travel to all over-60s in England outside London recently surpassed 100,000 signatures, triggering a mandatory debate in Parliament. The discussion will take place on 5 January 2026 and will address growing calls for national consistency in transport entitlements.
Supporters of the petition argue that many over-60s are gradually reducing their car use and increasingly rely on buses for social engagement and access to services. “We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60,” the petition states.
The Department for Transport (DfT), in its February 2025 response, recognised the value of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS), which currently funds free off-peak travel for people of state pension age and those with eligible disabilities. The scheme, it said, costs the Government approximately £700 million per year.
While acknowledging the benefits of widening access, the DfT stressed that any change would need to be carefully weighed against financial sustainability. “lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability,” the department noted.
Local Powers vs National Policy: A Fragmented Picture Across England
The debate also brings attention to the fragmented nature of bus travel support across England. Although national law sets a minimum eligibility age at 66, local authorities have the discretion to offer additional concessions, if they can afford to do so.
Regions such as London and Merseyside already provide free bus travel from the age of 60, funded by local budgets. According to the DfT, “Local authorities in England do have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations.” The department added that it is up to each council to determine whether this is a priority for their area.
In October 2024, the Government announced a £1 billion funding package for buses, including £712 million earmarked for local authorities. This funding, the DfT confirmed, may be used at councils’ discretion to expand local travel concessions. However, not all councils have the resources to do so, and campaigners argue that access to free transport should not depend on a postcode.
The issue is further complicated by the devolved nature of transport policy. The DfT reiterated that concessionary travel eligibility “differs between the devolved nations” and that “administrative arrangements are entirely separate,” which explains why benefits can vary so significantly within the UK.
