A major parliamentary showdown over free bus travel for England's over-60s is now scheduled, after a public petition forced the issue onto the political agenda.
Petition Forces Parliamentary Debate
A substantial petition on the official Parliament website, demanding that all individuals over the age of 60 receive free bus travel throughout England, has successfully triggered a mandatory debate in the House of Commons. The petition, which gathered over 100,000 signatures several months ago, will now be scrutinised by MPs on January 5, 2026.
This debate compels the Government to publicly outline and defend its position, significantly increasing pressure for reform. Campaigners argue the current system is a "postcode lottery", with free travel for over-60s only available in areas where local authorities, like those in London and Merseyside, have chosen to fund it themselves. In most of England, the statutory free bus pass is only available from the state pension age, which is currently 66.
The Fight for Equality Across the UK
The petition calls for England to be brought into line with the devolved nations, where free bus travel typically begins at age 60. It states: "We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60." It highlights that as people age, many drive less and rely more on public transport for independence and to avoid isolation.
In its initial response, the Department for Transport (DfT) acknowledged the call but pointed to the significant cost. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) currently costs around £700 million annually. The DfT stated that any change to lower the eligibility age would need careful consideration for the scheme's financial sustainability.
The department also noted that concessionary travel is a devolved policy, explaining the different schemes across the UK. It pointed out that local authorities already have the power to offer additional concessions using local funding or a share of the £1 billion boost for buses confirmed in the 2024 Budget.
Age Threshold Set to Rise Further
Adding urgency to the campaign, the DfT confirmed that from April 2026, the waiting time for a free bus pass in England will extend by another year. This change aligns with the planned increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67, which will be fully implemented across the UK by 2028.
This means that, without local intervention, English residents will soon have to wait until they are 67 to receive their statutory pass, widening the gap further with their counterparts in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The upcoming parliamentary debate on January 5th represents a critical opportunity for MPs to address this growing inequality and the social mobility of millions of older citizens.
