People who previously qualified for a free older person's bus pass at 66 will now have to wait up to an additional 12 months to receive one, following the Government's phased increase of the State Pension age from 66 to 67, which began on April 6, 2026.
In England, eligibility for an older person's bus pass, which provides free travel on local routes, is tied to reaching State Pension age. The change means the age at which people can claim the pass will shift depending on their date of birth.
How the new rules affect eligibility
Under the revised schedule, people will wait an extra one to 12 months before they can start claiming the State Pension, assuming they have built up enough National Insurance contributions. This directly impacts when they can obtain a free bus pass.
The rules differ across the UK. In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, residents can get a bus pass at age 60, provided they meet certain residency or length-of-residence criteria.
Official guidance and London exceptions
A Department for Transport 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."
The spokesperson added that 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.
In London, residents can travel free on buses, tubes, and other transport at age 60, but only within the capital, by applying for a 60+ London Oyster photocard. They can then get an Older Person's Freedom Pass once they reach State Pension age.
Future changes and pension updates
A further increase to the State Pension age from 67 to 68 is currently scheduled between 2044 and 2046 under the Pensions Act 2007, though the Government stresses this may change following a future review.
The full rate of the new State Pension is £241.30 a week, though the amount can vary based on factors such as being contracted out before 2016, the number of National Insurance qualifying years, and whether contributions were made to the Additional State Pension before 2016.
Under the "triple lock" commitment, the State Pension rises annually by the highest of wage growth, inflation, or 2.5%. It was confirmed that some 13 million pensioners are set to see payments rise by 3.9% when the State Pension is uprated in April next year, based on wage growth figures for May to July 2026.
At the Labour Party conference this year, Andy Burnham announced plans to de-link the State Pension from wage growth, moving to a "double lock" system, with savings helping to fund a national social care service. However, the Government has made clear it maintains its commitment to keep the triple lock in place for the duration of the current Parliament.
