Department for Transport update on free bus passes for over 60s in England

NewsDepartment for Transport update on free bus passes for over 60s in EnglandA petition has been growing calling for a changehuddersfieldexaminerBookmarkShareCommentsNewsByBen HurstWayne

AnkersEditor07:46, 5 JUN 2025BookmarkBus passengers in England don't get free travel at the age of 60 automatically, unlike those in Wales, Scotland and NI, sparking a campaign (Image:

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The Department for Transport has issued an update amid escalating demands for bus passengers in England to receive the same level of assistance as their counterparts in Scotland, Wales, and

Northern Ireland. A growing petition on the parliament website, now with 63,000 signatories, calls for a legislative change.

Currently, individuals over 60 years old enjoy complimentary bus travel in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. However, in England, the responsibility falls on local authorities that are

often financially constrained, resulting in limited locales like Merseyside and London where free travel is provided.

With 63,285 people having signed the petition, which is available to view online, it 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."

The appeal further explains: "Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed

dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland,

Wales and Northern Ireland."

In a recent Parliamentary enquiry, Labour's Markus Campbell-Savours posed a question to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander regarding the implications of offering free bus passes to

individuals aged 60 and over, focusing on social inclusion, economic impact, and environmental effects, reports Lancs Live.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Department for Transport, Simon Lightwood, responded with caution about the financial implications of such a change. However, he noted that local

authorities have received funds in the latest financial settlement which could potentially be utilised for this purpose.

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Lightwood explained: "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently

sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's

financial sustainability. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of lowering the age on social inclusion, the economy or the environment."

He further clarified the role of local authorities, stating: "Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations such as lowering the

age of eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources.

"The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and

£712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could

include extending the discretionary concessions available in local areas to support the local economy and environment."

To view the petition and a full response from the Department for Transport click here.

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