{"id":122070,"date":"2026-06-22T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T10:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/?p=122070"},"modified":"2026-06-22T10:55:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T09:55:18","slug":"free-bus-passes-people-aged-60-and-over","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/free-bus-passes-people-aged-60-and-over\/","title":{"rendered":"Government Confirms Free Bus Passes Now Available for People Aged 60 and Over, Down From 67"},"content":{"rendered":"

The age eligibility for free bus travel<\/strong> in parts of England has been clarified following renewed discussion around the London Freedom Pass<\/strong>, with officials confirming that no changes are planned to the scheme. In London, eligible residents can access free public transport from age 60<\/strong> under the Freedom Pass, while national rules remain linked to State Pension age.<\/p>\n

Freedom Pass Rules In London<\/h2>\n

In London, the Freedom Pass<\/strong> <\/a>allows eligible residents aged 60 and over<\/strong> to travel free on buses, the Underground and other public transport services within the capital. This differs from the rest of England, where free bus passes are generally available once people reach State Pension age<\/strong>, currently 66<\/strong> and rising under existing legislation.<\/p>\n

Despite recent debate, London Councils has confirmed that there are no plans to change the Freedom Pass scheme.<\/p>\n

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Review Plans Scrapped<\/h2>\n

Proposals to review the Freedom Pass have now been dropped by London Councils<\/strong>. The decision follows a public campaign led by Age UK London and a petition supported by tens of thousands of signatories.<\/p>\n

The campaign called for continued protection of the scheme, which is widely used by older residents for daily travel across the city. Age UK London said the pass remains an important form of support for many older people, particularly those relying on public transport for essential travel.<\/p>\n

Reactions From Campaigners And Groups<\/h2>\n

Campaigners have welcomed the decision not to proceed with a review, while also warning that discussions around the scheme have created uncertainty. Age UK London highlighted concerns that the initial suggestion of a review had caused anxiety among some older residents who depend on the pass for regular travel.<\/p>\n

At the same time, campaigners noted that continued attention on the scheme means it may still be subject to future discussion.<\/p>\n

Position Of London Councils<\/h2>\n

London Councils has stated that no changes are planned to the Freedom Pass. The organisation said the scheme is set out in national legislation and is funded and delivered by London boroughs and the City of London Corporation.<\/p>\n

Officials confirmed that eligible residents aged 60 and over in London can continue to access free travel<\/a> across the capital\u2019s public transport network.<\/p>\n

Wider Context On Free Travel Eligibility<\/h2>\n

Outside London, eligibility for free bus passes remains linked to State Pension age. This creates a difference between London and the rest of England in terms of when residents can access free public transport.<\/p>\n

For now, both systems remain unchanged, with London maintaining its existing Freedom Pass rules and national eligibility continuing to follow pension age thresholds.<\/p>\n\n\n

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