The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed major funding for bus schemes across the UK, with local councils able to use the money for free passes for over-60s in England.
Funding Details
The DfT has allocated over £3 billion for the next three years to support local transport authorities. Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Lightwood said: "We are supporting local transport authorities with over £3 billion of funding over the next three years to make the improvements a reality."
Bus Fare Cap Extended
The £3 national bus fare cap in England has been extended until March 2027. The north-east has seen over 100 million bus journeys with its £2.50 fare scheme.
Free Travel for Children
Free bus travel for children aged 5-15 will be available throughout August under the "Great British Summer Savings" scheme. The initiative is backed by a £100 million government fund.
Support for Young People
Local authorities can now use the substantial multi-year funding to support fare initiatives for young people aged 16-21 in education or training. This follows parliamentary questions about extending concessions to match those available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Campaign for Over-60s
A petition with over 100,000 signatures called for free bus travel for over-60s across England. Labour MP Tony Vaughan highlighted that a quarter of a million more people aged 60-64 are now in relative income poverty compared to 2010.
The debate follows campaigns to align English concessions with devolved nations, where free bus travel starts at 60 rather than state pension age.
