The Department for Transport has given a new update on growing calls for travellers on buses in England to be given the same help as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A petition on the parliament website has been growing in support with 63,000 people calling for a change.
Currently people over the age of 60 in Scotland, NI and Wales get free bus travel. In England it’s down to cash-strapped local authorities to provide the funds meaning it only happens in a few locations such as Merseyside and London.
The petition, which can be viewed here, has 63,285 signatures and says: “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.
“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 new Parliamentary question which had an official Department for Transport answer yesterday, Labour’s Markus Campbell-Savours asked Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander: “What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of introducing free bus passes for people aged 60 and over on (a) social inclusion, (b) the economy and (c) the environment?”
And in the new answer Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) Simon Lightwood warned any change could potentially cost a lot of money – but added there was hope because money has been allocated to local authorites in the latest financial settlement which coul dbe used for this.
He said: “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.
“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.
