The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that from April 2026, people in England will have to wait an additional year to qualify for a free bus pass. Currently, free off-peak bus travel is available from the age of 66, aligning with the state pension age. The change follows the planned increase in the state pension age from 66 to 67, which will be fully implemented by 2028.
Unlike Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, where free bus travel begins at 60, England's concessionary travel scheme ties eligibility to the state pension age. Local authorities such as those in London and Merseyside have the discretion to fund free travel earlier, but the statutory scheme remains linked to pension age.
The DfT stated that the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme costs around £700 million annually and that any changes must be carefully considered for financial sustainability. A spokesperson said: 'We fully recognise bus passes are vital to many older people... We're already in the process of making ambitious reforms to improve bus services.'
A petition calling for free bus travel for over-60s in England has garnered over 100,000 signatures and is awaiting parliamentary debate. The petition argues that the current situation is unjust and calls for equality with the rest of the UK. The DfT has responded that resources have been allocated to local authorities, which could be used to offer free travel from age 60 at their discretion.
