The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that the eligibility age for a free bus pass in England will increase from November, affecting five groups of passengers. The change is tied to the State Pension age, which is rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
Who is affected by the change
People born from April 6, 1960, onwards will be impacted in England. Those turning 66 may face a longer wait of up to several extra months, depending on their exact date of birth. The State Pension age increase is being implemented in phases and will be fully complete to reach 67 by 2028.
Five groups impacted in November
In November, five groups of people are set to be affected. These include people born between November 6, 1960 and December 5, 1960, who will receive their state pension and free bus pass at 66 years and 8 months. Those born between December 6, 1960 and January 5, 1961 will qualify at 66 years and 9 months.
People born between January 6, 1961 and February 5, 1961 will qualify at 66 years and 10 months, while those born between February 6, 1961 and March 5, 1961 will receive theirs at 66 years and 11 months. People born between March 6, 1961 and April 5, 1977 will be 67 by the time they qualify.
Regional differences and how to check
A DfT spokesperson said: "Eligibility for an older person's bus pass under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme is linked to State Pension age. This means eligibility will change in line with the increase in State Pension age from April. People born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will qualify at 66 plus a specified number of months, depending on their date of birth. There is a tool to check the date people become eligible for a bus pass at Check your State Pension age - GOV.UK, by entering their date of birth."
People living in London can bypass the national rule by applying for a 60+ London Oyster photocard, which grants free travel within London from age 60. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, eligibility is entirely separate from the State Pension age, and residents qualify for a free regional bus pass automatically when they turn 60.
