The qualifying age for a free older person's bus pass in England is changing as the State Pension age gradually rises from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. The adjustment affects individuals born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961, who will attain State Pension age at 66, plus a specific number of extra months based on their birth date.
How the change works
Through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, entitlement to an older person's bus pass is tied to State Pension age. This means those affected by the rise may need to wait longer to become eligible for complimentary bus travel. The Department for Transport has confirmed that the entitlement to an older person's bus pass in England will change in line with the rise in the State Pension age.
Individuals born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961, will attain State Pension age at somewhere between 66 years and one month and 66 years and 11 months. The staged rise commenced in April 2026 and will run through to March 2028.
Birth date determines qualification
The date you qualify hinges on your birth date. People born between April 6 and May 5, 1960, will attain State Pension age at 66 years and one month. Those born between September 6 and October 5, 1960, will attain State Pension age at 66 years and six months. Those born between February 6 and March 5, 1961, will attain State Pension age at 66 years and 11 months.
Anyone born on or after March 6, 1961, will have a State Pension age of 67. The first individuals affected by the rise began reaching the new qualifying ages in May 2026. The final group impacted by the transition will reach State Pension age at 66 years and 11 months, before the age of 67 applies to subsequent birth cohorts.
Exceptions and claiming process
There is a notable exception for London residents. Those aged 60 and over may be entitled to travel free on eligible public transport within London using a 60+ London Oyster photocard, subject to the scheme's conditions.
The State Pension is not paid out automatically. The Pension Service typically dispatches an invitation to claim roughly four months before someone reaches State Pension age. Those approaching retirement ought to check their eligibility in advance and ensure they fully understand how to claim their State Pension and any travel concessions available to them.
