A significant campaign is gathering momentum, urging the UK Government to grant free all-day bus travel to everyone in England over the age of 60. This move would bring the nation in line with the rest of the UK and address what campaigners call an "unjust" postcode lottery.
The Push for Travel Equality
A petition hosted on the Labour Party's parliamentary website has surpassed the crucial 100,000-signature threshold, triggering an official government response. The petition's core demand is clear: extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London.
It argues that the current system is unfair, as eligibility outside the capital is linked to the state pension age, which has risen dramatically. The petition states that as people age, many over-60s drive less and need equal access to public transport to stay connected. "It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland," it adds.
Government Highlights Cost and Local Flexibility
In response to parliamentary questions from Labour MPs Marsha De Cordova and Jim McMahon, the Department for Transport outlined its position. Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Lightwood explained that the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) costs around £700 million annually and provides free off-peak travel to those of state pension age (currently 66) and those with eligible disabilities.
He stated that any changes to the statutory scheme, such as removing the 9:30 am restriction or lowering the age, would need careful assessment of their impact on financial sustainability. However, he pointed to existing local powers: local authorities can fund additional concessions, like morning travel, using their own resources.
Lightwood also noted a positive trend, revealing that there were 624 million older and disabled concessionary bus journeys in England in the year ending March 2025. This marks a 4% increase from the previous year, though numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Funding and Future Bus Services
The government's response emphasised substantial investment in local bus networks. It confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Local authorities, such as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority which received £66.4 million, can use this funding as they see fit.
This could include enhancing local concessionary travel offers, expanding services, or improving reliability. This funding is part of a broader strategy under the Bus Services Act 2025, which aims to devolve power over bus services to local leaders and improve network accessibility.
The debate continues to balance the clear social benefits of increased mobility for older people against the significant costs of expanding a national statutory scheme.
