Local councils have warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves that free and cheaper bus travel for the elderly, schoolchildren, and vulnerable groups may be cut due to a £450 million funding gap. According to the Local Government Association (LGA), councils spent around £452 million in 2024 to enable older and disabled people to travel free at off-peak on local bus services.
The LGA says the gap between government funding and the number of journeys made in 2024/25 is straining already overstretched budgets. Councils are being forced to cut discretionary bus services, including free peak travel, community transport, reduced fares, and school transport, to top up the statutory national scheme.
Cllr Adam Hug, LGA transport spokesperson, said: 'Free bus passes provide a vital lifeline for many in our communities, allowing vulnerable residents to go shopping, visit family and friends and attend appointments. Councils want to keep this scheme running but cannot keep having to find nearly half a billion pounds a year from their own overstretched budgets.'
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: 'We fully recognise free bus passes are vital to many and prevents loneliness, provides access to services and keep people connected to their loved ones. We are investing over £1 billion into buses which has meant we have been able to avoid a cliff-edge fare hike and keep fares capped at £3 this year.'
The Government has provided extra funding for the next year to keep fares down and protect existing routes, including the £3 fare cap. The ongoing Spending Review will assess the sector's future funding needs.
