A campaign has been growing in England to get the same rights for free passes for over 60s as enjoyed by those in Wales, Scotland and NI (Image: Johner Images via Getty Images)
A massive push to urge the government to implement free bus passes for over-60s in England has reached a crucial milestone. A petition hosted on the Parliament's website is now three-quarters of the way to triggering a debate, garnering widespread support amid frustrations about regional disparities.
In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, anyone aged 60 and up enjoys complimentary bus travel, but in England, the perk isn't obligatory until 66, leaving local authorities to self-fund it. Consequently, provision is inconsistent, with only select regions like Merseyside and London offering the benefit.
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The campaign gathered steam today as the petition crossed the 75,000 signature mark, edging closer to securing a parliamentary discussion where the Department for Transport will have to defend its stance. The issue has already spurred a series of written questions to ministers, who have responded by highlighting available funding that councils could potentially tap into.
The petition, created by Karen Hickman, asserts: "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.
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"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."
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Only last week an MP raised a Parliamentary written question regarding this matter - receiving an answer that highlighted an existing funding source. Liberal Democrat MP Pippa Heylings posed a new question to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander: "if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the eligibility criteria for an older person's bus pass to include people over the age of 60 in England."
Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, responded on June 10: "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 their impact on the scheme's financial sustainability.
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"However, 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. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority have been allocated ￡10.5 million of this funding. 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 England, people aged over 66 are entitled to concessionary travel, allowing them to travel:
between 9:30am and 11pm, Monday to Fridayall day at weekendson public holidays
To view the petition, sign up, and read the full DfT response click here.
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