The UK government has confirmed substantial funding for bus schemes across England, following earlier hints that local councils could use this cash to provide free passes for over-60s. The Department for Transport (DfT) released updates on free passes, extending to children and young people up to age 21.
Funding Details
During Transport questions in the Commons, Labour MP Liz Twist asked Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander about plans to collaborate with local leaders to enhance bus services. Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Lightwood confirmed that funds are now allocated for local schemes, stating: "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."
Free Bus Travel for Over-60s
Currently, in England (except areas subsidised by local authorities like London and Merseyside), people become eligible for free bus travel when they reach state pension age, now 66 and set to rise to 67 this year. In contrast, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales offer free bus travel to over-60s funded by devolved governments. The new funding could allow English councils to lower the eligibility age.
Bus Fare Cap Extended
Mr Lightwood also addressed bus fares, confirming the £3 national cap on single bus fares in England is extended until March 2027. He said: "We recognise how important affordable bus fares are, which is why we have extended the £3 bus fare cap in England until March 2027." The government is evaluating the scheme's impact to inform future policy.
Children's Free Bus Travel
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the "Great British Summer Savings" scheme, offering free bus travel for children aged 5 to 15 on participating local buses across England throughout August 2026, backed by a £100 million government fund. Mr Lightwood clarified this is a time-limited measure running from 1 August to 31 August 2026.
Young Adults
Regarding free travel for young adults aged 16 to 21 in education or training, Mr Lightwood noted that the government provides substantial multi-year funding to local authorities, which can be used to support local fare initiatives, including free or discounted bus travel for young people, where local authorities choose to do so.
Parliamentary Debate
The potential benefits of extending free bus travel to over-60s across England were discussed in parliament in January, following an e-petition with over 100,000 signatures. Labour MP Tony Vaughan challenged the narrative that over-60s are financially secure, citing a Standard Life report showing increased financial insecurity among people in their early 60s. Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed added: "People's access to free travel should not depend on where they live or how stretched their council's budget happens to be. National problems require national solutions."
