The Department for Transport (DfT) has issued an update on free bus passes for over-60s in England, confirming major funding for bus schemes over the next three years. The government has previously suggested that English local councils could use this money to fund free passes for those aged 60 and above.
Funding Confirmed for Local Bus Improvements
In Parliament this week, Labour MP Liz Twist asked Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander about plans to work with local leaders to improve bus services. Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Lightwood confirmed that funds are now in place for local schemes, which could be used for free travel for over-60s.
Lightwood stated: "This Government passed the Bus Services Act 2025 to give local leaders greater control over their bus services, and 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
On bus fares, Lightwood confirmed the £3 national cap on bus fares will remain until March 2027. He also announced that from August, every child will receive free bus travel, building on the Kids Go Free scheme in the north-east.
Free Travel for Children and Young People
The "Great British Summer Savings" scheme, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, includes free bus travel for children aged 5 to 15 throughout August, backed by a £100 million government fund. However, Lightwood confirmed this is a time-limited measure for August 2026 only.
Regarding free travel for young adults aged 16 to 21 in education or training, Lightwood said the government is providing multi-year funding to local authorities, which can support local fare initiatives, including free or discounted travel for young people.
Over-60s Free Travel Debate
The potential merits of extending free bus travel to over-60s across England were debated in Parliament in January, following an e-petition with over 100,000 signatures. Currently, free bus travel for over-60s is available in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, London, and Merseyside, but not in most of England.
Labour MP Tony Vaughan highlighted financial insecurity among people in their early 60s, noting a rise in relative income poverty since 2010. Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed added that access to free travel should not depend on where people live.
Local authorities in England have the power to offer additional concessions, including lowering the eligibility age, but these must be funded from local resources. The DfT confirmed over £3 billion from 2026/27 to support bus improvements, including nearly £700 million per year under the Local Authority Bus Grant.
