The Department for Transport has confirmed that free bus pass eligibility will rise in line with the State Pension age, with the first affected group being those born between 6 April and 5 May 1960. These individuals will have to wait an extra month to receive their pension, and for those born later, the delay increases incrementally. The State Pension age will rise gradually until it reaches 67 in 2028.
Passengers born between 6 September 1960 and 5 October 1960 will reach the State Pension age at 66 years and 6 months, which means they will become eligible for their free bus pass between 6 March and 5 April 2027. This change, confirmed by the Department for Transport, aligns the concessionary travel scheme with the State Pension age, affecting thousands of older people across England.
Eligibility changes under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport 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 spokesperson added: "Eligibility for an older person's bus pass under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme is linked to State Pension age. This means eligibility will change in line with the increase in State Pension age from April. People born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will qualify at 66 plus a specified number of months, depending on their date of birth."
To help individuals determine their exact eligibility date, the Department for Transport has pointed to the "Check your State Pension age" tool available on GOV.UK. By entering their date of birth, older people can find out precisely when they will become entitled to their free bus pass, avoiding any confusion about the new timelines.
Greater Manchester's Bee Network sets a new precedent
While the national delay has caused concern, a major change to public transport in Greater Manchester is set to make a real difference to the lives of older people. From this spring, the Bee Network has introduced free bus travel at any time of day for pensioners, removing previous restrictions and opening up greater freedom and flexibility.
Around 400,000 older and disabled people are expected to benefit from this change, which forms part of a wider effort to make public transport more accessible, inclusive, and affordable. Alongside this, Greater Manchester has also continued to cap bus fares, helping to keep travel costs down for everyone in the region.
Civil Service Pensioners Alliance calls for nationwide protection
The Civil Service Pensioners Alliance has responded to the changes, emphasising the importance of protecting free bus passes across the country. In a statement, the organisation said: "At CSPA, we believe that free bus passes are essential and must be protected nationwide. While Greater Manchester is leading the way with expanded access, not all areas offer the same level of support and concessionary travel schemes remain vulnerable to cuts and restrictions."
The alliance added: "The Bee Network's decision shows what is possible when public policy prioritises inclusion and accessibility. We will continue to push for similar improvements across the country, ensuring that all older people, regardless of where they live, can benefit from the freedom and independence that free bus travel provides."
The Department for Transport's confirmation of the delay means that for many, the wait for a free bus pass will extend beyond their 66th birthday, with some facing waits until March 2027. The impact of this change will be felt most acutely by those born in the latter half of 1960, who will see their eligibility pushed back by several months, while the broader trend towards aligning bus pass eligibility with the State Pension age continues.
