A petition advocating for free bus travel for individuals aged over 60 in England has collected more than 100,000 signatures, triggering a mandatory Parliamentary debate on January 5, 2025. This debate marks a significant milestone in the ongoing campaign to align concessionary travel benefits in England with those available in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Currently, free bus travel is offered only in certain areas where local authorities have chosen to fund the scheme.
The petition, which can be accessed on the Parliament’s website, states: “We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London.” The document emphasizes the perceived injustice faced by those residing in England, who must wait until they reach the state pension age of 66 to gain access to complimentary bus travel. In contrast, residents in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland can access these benefits at the age of 60.
The Department for Transport (DfT) acknowledged the petition’s impact, highlighting that any changes to the current bus travel policies would require substantial financial investment. The DfT reiterated its commitment to providing public transport access while recognizing the essential role of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS). The scheme currently costs approximately £700 million annually, offering free off-peak bus travel to eligible individuals, including those with disabilities and those of state pension age.
In response to the petition, the DfT clarified that local authorities have the discretion to extend travel concessions beyond statutory obligations. “Local authorities in England do have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations,” the department stated. This means councils can choose to fund programs that allow earlier access to free bus travel for older residents.
On October 30, 2024, the government announced a £1 billion investment in bus services, allocating £712 million to local authorities to improve service delivery. Councils may utilize this funding to enhance local transport options, including the potential to extend eligibility for bus passes.
The DfT highlighted the differences in concessionary travel policies across the devolved nations of the United Kingdom. The variation means that eligibility for bus passes is not uniform, with different administrative arrangements in place for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This discrepancy has fueled calls for reform, as many argue that older citizens in England deserve equal access to public transport.
Starting in April 2025, residents in England will experience an additional year of waiting before they can claim their free bus pass. This change aligns with the planned increase in the state pension age, which is scheduled to rise from 66 to 67 by 2028. The government has indicated that this modification has been in discussion since 2014, with a further increase anticipated between 2044 and 2046.
As the January debate approaches, the spotlight will remain on the government’s stance regarding the petition and the future of concessionary travel for older citizens in England. With millions affected, the outcome of this discussion could significantly impact the lives of those over 60, who advocate for equal public transport rights.
