From April next year, state pensioners in England will face a longer wait before qualifying for a free bus pass—as the eligibility age aligns with the rising State Pension age.
This shift creates important implications for older residents planning their travel. Here’s everything you need to know.
Overview of the Change
- Current rule: In England, free bus travel is granted from the State Pension age of 66, unlike Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland where it’s available from age 60.
- What’s changing: The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that from next April, the eligibility age for the free bus pass will increase by one year, reflecting the rise in State Pension age to 67.
- Local discretion: Some local authorities, such as those in London and Merseyside, may choose to maintain lower eligibility ages if they fund it locally—granting earlier access to free travel.
Breakdown of Key Details
| Key Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Age (Current) | 66, matching State Pension age |
| New Eligibility Age | 67 from April next year |
| Scope | Free off-peak bus travel across England |
| Timing of Travel | Weekdays (off-peak), weekends, and Bank Holidays |
| Local Authority Role | Can offer earlier access if funded locally |
| Campaign Movement | Petition with over 100,000 signatures calling to extend eligibility to age 60 across England |
Why This Matters
- Rising State Pension age: The increase from 66 to 67 is part of a long-planned adjustment set to be fully implemented by 2028.
- Concessionary Travel Impact: Since free bus passes are tied to pension age, the change will effectively delay access to free travel by another year.
- Regional Discrepancies: People in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland already enjoy free travel from age 60, and Londoners have special schemes for earlier access. In the rest of England, pensioners will now wait longer unless their councils act independently.
- Financial Sustainability Concerns: The national scheme already costs around £700 million a year, so any further expansion at the national level will need careful consideration.
What Local Authorities Can Do
Some councils can fund earlier access:
- They have the authority to offer free bus passes from age 60—but must use local funds to do so.
- This flexibility has sparked public pressure on councils to act, and some already choose earlier eligibility based on local priorities.
Campaign and Public Response
- A petition calling for free bus travel from age 60 has gathered well over 100,000 signatures, prompting attention and debate.
- Advocates argue the current system is unfair, especially for older adults who drive less and rely more on public transport.
- The public pressure extends to national debates around social inclusion, accessibility, and transport equity.
The upcoming rise in the age eligibility for free bus passes in England reflects the broader trend of increasing the State Pension age—pushing access from 66 to 67.
This change, effective from April next year, will affect thousands of older residents, delaying their ability to benefit from a valuable concession.
While some local councils may buck the trend, national uniformity places the burden on local governments to step in.
With growing public campaigns and a petition demanding equality with other parts of the UK, pressure is mounting.
For state pensioners in England, these changes underscore the importance of staying informed, advocating locally, and understanding what help is available in your area as travel provisions evolve.
FAQs
Why is the free bus pass age being raised?
Because the State Pension age is increasing to 67, and eligibility for the national concessionary bus pass is tied to pension age, meaning claimants must now wait an additional year.
Can some councils still offer free travel at 60?
Yes. Individual councils can choose to fund free travel at younger ages using local budgets, but this is discretionary and varies by region.
What difference does this change make?
People in England (outside select local authorities) who receive the free bus pass at age 66 will now need to wait until age 67, delaying access to vital transport for essential errands, appointments, and social trips.