A significant milestone has been reached in the campaign for free bus travel for those aged over 60 in England, as a petition surpasses 100,000 signatures. This development has prompted a mandatory Parliamentary debate scheduled for January 5, 2025. The petition seeks to align the concessionary bus travel rights in England with those available in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Currently, free bus travel for seniors is not universally available across England. Instead, it varies by region and is only offered in areas where local councils have chosen to finance the initiative. Cities such as Merseyside and London provide this benefit, leaving many seniors across the rest of the country without support until they reach the state pension age, which is currently 66 years.
The petition states, “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.” Advocates argue that as individuals age, many reduce their reliance on private transportation, making access to public transport crucial.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has acknowledged the petition’s impact, stating that any changes to the current policy would require significant financial investment. The DfT noted, “The government is committed to ensuring everyone has access to public transport and is dedicated to enhancing services.” The existing English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to individuals with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age.
Currently, the ENCTS costs about £700 million annually. Any modifications to the eligibility age would require careful consideration to maintain the scheme’s financial sustainability. Local authorities in England are empowered to offer additional concessions, provided they align with local needs and priorities.
In response to the petition, the DfT highlighted the disparity in bus travel provisions across the UK, stating that concessionary travel is a devolved policy area. This means eligibility for bus passes varies between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. As a result, residents in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland can access free bus travel at age 60, while those in England face a longer wait.
Looking ahead, a new policy change will come into effect in April 2025, extending the waiting period for a free bus pass in England by an additional year. This change aligns with the planned increase in the state pension age from 66 to 67, which is set to be fully implemented across the UK by 2028. This transition has been on the agenda since 2014, with an anticipated further increase to 68 years expected between 2044 and 2046.
The upcoming Parliamentary debate may serve as a pivotal moment for advocates pushing for equal concessionary travel rights for seniors in England. As the conversation unfolds, the pressure mounts on the government to address these disparities and consider the needs of millions of over-60s living in England.
