Petition Calls for Free Bus Travel for Over-60s in England

A petition demanding free bus travel for people over 60 in England has gained significant traction, with campaigners arguing that the current system is unfair compared to policies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The proposal seeks to align England’s eligibility rules with these regions, where residents over 60 already benefit from free public transport.

The Petition and Its Objectives

The online petition, which has gathered over 10,000 signatures, calls for an extension of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS). Under current rules, free bus travel in England is only available to individuals who have reached the State Pension age, which is currently set at 66 years old. The petition demands that this threshold be lowered to 60, bringing England in line with other UK nations.

Petition creator Karen Hickman argues that the existing system is unjust, particularly for those living outside London, where local policies allow some residents to benefit from earlier eligibility. Supporters of the campaign emphasize that as people age, many reduce their reliance on cars, making affordable public transport a necessity rather than a privilege.

Government Response and Potential Policy Changes

Despite growing support, the UK government has stated that there are no plans to change the existing scheme. Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that bus travel policies are a devolved issue, meaning that different parts of the UK operate under separate rules. This has led to disparities, with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland offering free bus travel to those over 60, while England follows a later threshold tied to the State Pension age.

A broader agreement for mutual recognition of concessionary bus passes across the UK has also been suggested. This could allow pensioners from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to use their passes interchangeably, removing regional inequalities. However, the government has not indicated any plans to introduce such a policy.

Implications for Older Adults and Public Transport

Supporters of the petition argue that granting free bus travel to over-60s in England could have multiple benefits, particularly in areas where public transport is essential for maintaining independence. Some of the key arguments include :

• Reducing social isolation – Many older adults rely on public transport to visit family, attend medical appointments, and engage in community activities.
• Encouraging greater use of public transport – More accessible services could lead to reduced congestion and lower carbon emissions, aligning with environmental goals.
• Providing financial relief – The cost of public transport can be a significant burden for individuals in their early 60s, particularly those not yet eligible for the State Pension.
• Supporting economic activity – Increased mobility could allow older adults to continue working part-time, volunteering, or supporting local businesses.

Opponents, however, raise concerns about funding and sustainability. Expanding free travel would require additional government subsidies, potentially leading to :

• Higher costs for taxpayers – If the scheme is expanded, the government may need to adjust funding sources, possibly through increased taxation.
• Reduced service quality – More demand for free bus travel could lead to overcrowding or cuts to other public transport services to balance budgets.
• Strain on local authorities – Different areas in England manage their own transport policies, and changes at the national level could create financial and logistical challenges.

Having surpassed 10,000 signatures, the petition now requires a formal written response from the government. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it may be considered for debate in Parliament.