Mega update on free bus travel for over 60s as petition shows how English are shaftedA petition calling for over 60s in England to get the same travel help as those in Scotland, Wales and

Northern Ireland has hit a milestone - but what does the government sayNewsAdam Cailler Senior reporter and Reddit team lead and Ben Hurst11:51, 30 May 2025Updated 11:55, 30 May 2025This

passenger considers the pros and cons of dishing out free travel on buses(Image: undefined via Getty Images) A rallying cry for equal travel perks for the over-60s across England, akin to

their Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish counterparts, has smashed through a major goal.

‌ The powers-that-be have been nudged into a response, conceding that some regions might have the dosh set aside for such an upgrade in services.

‌ Right now, English residents have to wait until they're 66 to nab a free bus pass, while folks in other UK nations get the perk at 60, thanks to decisions by their devolved

administrations.

In England, it's up to the already skint local councils to find the funds, with only Merseyside and Transport for London coughing up the cash. If the petition hits the magic 100,000

signatures, it'll force a debate where the government will have to stand up and justify its stance.

Penned by Karen Hickman, the petition on the Parliament website states: "We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We

believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over".

Article continues below "Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed

dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland,

Wales and Northern Ireland.", reports Lancs Live.

Twist In a recent twist, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) Simon Lightwood offered a glimmer of hope to the over 60s, suggesting that newly allocated council funds for

transport might be used to bridge this gap. He was answering a question from Liberal Democrat Zöe Franklin who enquired if Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander: "Plans to

extend free bus passes for over 60s across England."

Mr Lightwood responded: "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age,

currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully

considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability.

Article continues below "Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility. Additional

local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources.

"The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and

£712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Surrey County Council has been allocated £12 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve

services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area."

In its response to the petition, the government attempted to explain why other parts of the UK had the free pass: "Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area and as such, the eligibility

age for the bus pass differs between the devolved nations of the United Kingdom. This means, in effect, that there are different schemes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so

the administrative arrangements are entirely separate."