Government Rejects National Free Bus Travel Expansion for Young People
The Government has delivered a firm update on free bus travel, dismissing calls for a national scheme to extend concessionary fares to all young people aged 19 and under in England. Ministers have warned that such an expansion would be prohibitively expensive and unsustainable, despite mounting pressure from MPs and public petitions.
Cost Concerns Dominate Transport Debate
In response to a parliamentary question from Conservative MP Richard Holden, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood emphasised the financial implications of broadening eligibility. "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) costs around £795m annually in reimbursement costs to operators," he stated. "Any changes to the statutory obligations, such as expanding the eligibility criteria to include under-19s, would need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability."
The debate was ignited by a petition signed by over 100,000 people, demanding free bus travel for over-60s in England to match existing programmes in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This has sparked broader discussions about affordable transport access across age groups.
Local Authority Flexibility Highlighted
While ruling out a uniform national approach, the Government pointed to the autonomy granted to local councils. "Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers," Mr Lightwood explained. "This could include introducing new fare initiatives to reduce the cost of bus travel for young people."
Substantial funding has been committed to support this localised strategy:
- Over £3 billion from 2026/27 to enhance bus services across England during the spending review period.
- Essex County Council alone will receive £59.3 million between 2026 and 2029 through the Local Authority Bus Grant, supplementing £17.8 million allocated this year.
Divergence Across the United Kingdom
The response underscores the patchwork nature of concessionary travel policies within the UK, where England lags behind other nations:
- Scotland: Offers free bus travel to everyone aged 5 to 21.
- Wales: Provides discounted fares for 16 to 21-year-olds.
- Northern Ireland: Allows 16 to 23-year-olds to apply for a yLink card granting 50% off travel.
In England, decisions remain decentralised, with only London and Merseyside currently offering free bus travel for over-60s.
Political Pressure for National Reform
During a Commons debate in January, MPs from across the political spectrum argued for a more consistent national framework. Labour MP Tony Vaughan challenged misconceptions about older people's wealth, citing a Standard Life report that identified rising financial insecurity among those in their early 60s. "A new report highlights that there are a quarter of a million more people aged 60 to 64 in relative income poverty than there were in 2010," he noted.
Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed stressed the inequity of the current system: "People’s access to free travel should not depend on where they live or how stretched their council’s budget happens to be. National problems require national solutions."
Labour MP Mohammad Yasin added that free bus travel for over-60s would deliver multiple benefits: "It would not only provide much-needed financial relief but also help to reduce social isolation, support access to healthcare and enable continued engagement in work, volunteering and community life."
Government Maintains Current Eligibility Threshold
Mr Lightwood reiterated that the statutory eligibility age for older person’s bus passes in England remains aligned with the state pension age, currently 66. "Changing the national statutory eligibility would carry substantial additional recurring costs," he affirmed, while acknowledging the vital role buses play for many in their early 60s as a lifeline to work, caring responsibilities, and community activities.
This ongoing debate highlights the growing political and public demand for a cohesive national strategy on concessionary travel, aiming to bring England in line with other UK nations and address transport affordability for both younger and older generations.
