Full bus pass age rules for over 60s ahead of major 2026 change

The Department for Transport has confirmed that from April next year, individuals in England will have to wait an additional year to receive their free bus pass. Despite a significant campaign advocating for the same concessionary travel benefits as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - where free bus travel is available from the age of 60 - in England, free travel is only granted from the age of 66, coinciding with the state pension age.

However, local authorities, such as those in London and Merseyside, can choose to fund the provision themselves. From next year, the waiting period for a free pass in England will extend by another 12 months.

This change aligns with the planned increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67, set to be fully implemented across the UK by 2028 for both men and women. This adjustment to the official retirement age has been planned since 2014, with a further increase from 67 to 68 expected between 2044 and 2046.

The Pensions Act 2014 accelerated the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 by eight years. The UK Government also adjusted the phasing of the State Pension age increase, meaning that instead of reaching State Pension age on a specific date, individuals born between 6 March 1961, and 5 April 1977, will be eligible to claim the State Pension once they turn 67 - and the same will apply to their concessionary bus passes.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has admitted that changes will affect concessionary bus passes. A spokesperson stated: "We fully recognise bus passes are vital to many older people, providing access to essential services and keeping people connected through free local travel. We're already in the process of making ambitious reforms to improve bus services for all passengers and supporting local areas to improve reliability and affordability."

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme offers free off-peak bus journeys to individuals with qualifying disabilities and those who have reached state pension age (under the Pension Act 2014), operating between 9.30am and 11.00pm on weekdays and throughout weekends and Bank Holidays.

State Pension age is set to rise from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, as outlined in the State Pension Act 2014. The DfT added: "Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, by lowering the age of eligibility. These are additional local concessions provided and funded by local authorities from local resources, depending on the needs and priorities of each area."

People qualify for free bus travel in England once they reach state pension age, currently set at 66 but due to increase from next year.

A major petition on the Parliament website, calling for free bus travel for over-60s in England, has garnered more than 100,000 signatures and is now waiting for a parliamentary debate date.

This could potentially heap pressure on Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to contemplate changes.

The petition, accessible here, 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 60.

"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."

The Department for Transport (DfT) has responded to a petition, indicating that funding has been distributed to local authorities, which could be used to provide free travel from age 60. The DfT stated: "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme costs around £700 million annually. Any changes to the statutory scheme must be carefully considered for their impact on its financial sustainability.

"At the Budget on 30 October, the government confirmed a £1 billion boost for buses, of which £712 million has been allocated to local authorities to support and improve bus services. 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.

"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."