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Free bus passes for over 60s in England update in new Department for Transport responseThe Department for Transport has issued a new response to a growing petition calling for the same free

bus travel for over 60s in England as there is in Scotland, Wales and Northern IrelandCommentsNewsDan Grennan Audience Writer22:51, 05 Jun 2025Over 60s living outside of London don't get

free bus passes (stock) The Department for Transport has issued an update about the mounting pressure for bus passengers in England to be given the same perks as their Scottish, Welsh and

Northern Irish counterparts. A petition on the parliament's website has been gaining traction with a hefty 63,000 folks demanding a shake-up.

Right now, if you're over 60 and living it up in Scotland, NI or Wales, bus rides are free. But in England, it's a postcode lottery, with skint local councils deciding who gets to ride for

free – only a lucky few places like Merseyside and London have the same perk.

‌ 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.

‌Campaigners are calling for free bus passes for the over 60s in England (stock)(Image: Getty) "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?"

Article continues below 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 could be used for this.

The petition is gaining traction (stock)(Image: Getty) 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."

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

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