The Department for Transport has responded to calls for people who get free bus passes to be able to use them before 9.30am – and it’s good news for some
The government has released a statement regarding demands to let free bus pass holders use them before 9.30am. Ministers said local authorities have been given funding for bus operators – and could utilise the cash to introduce the change.
If rolled out this way, anyone with a concessionary bus pass, including state pensioners in England, would be able to travel earlier. Concessionary bus passes in England are available to eligible older and disabled people and provide free local bus travel within England through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).
Qualification for older people is determined by reaching the state pension age, whilst disabled people are also entitled if they satisfy the requirements.
However, currently people can only utilise the passes after the morning rush hour of 9.30am, which has faced criticism for preventing the disabled and elderly from taking on employment and attending early appointments.
In a fresh question, Liberal Democrat Josh Babarinde asked the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander: “If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing bus pass use on weekdays before 9:30 am.”
Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport, has confirmed that councils have the funds to extend concessionary rights if they choose to do so. He stated: “The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age. Local authorities in England have the power to use local resources to fund further concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, extending the times travel passes can be used.”
He added: “The Government has confirmed over £1 billion 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. East Sussex County Council has been allocated £10.4 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish, including enhancing the concessionary travel offering in the local area.”
The Department for Transport has confirmed that from April next year, individuals in England will have to wait an additional year to receive their free bus pass. Despite a significant campaign advocating for the same concessionary travel benefits as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – where free bus travel is available from the age of 60 – in England, free travel is only granted from the age of 66, coinciding with the state pension age.
However, local authorities, such as those in London and Merseyside, can choose to fund the provision themselves. From next year, the waiting period for a free pass in England will extend by another 12 months.
This change aligns with the planned increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67, set to be fully implemented across the UK by 2028 for both men and women. This adjustment to the official retirement age has been planned since 2014, with a further increase from 67 to 68 expected between 2044 and 2046.
