The age at which people can claim a free bus pass in England is changing this September, as eligibility becomes linked to the rising State Pension age. The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that the qualifying age for the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme will increase in line with the State Pension age, which is gradually moving from 66 to 67. This means that individuals born between August 6, 1960, and September 5, 1960, will see a postponement in their bus pass eligibility.
Who is affected by the change?
Under the new rules, those born between August 6, 1960, and September 5, 1960, must wait until they reach 66 years plus a specified number of months before qualifying for a free bus pass. The exact number of months depends on their date of birth. For example, people born between September 6, 1960, and October 5, 1960, will become eligible at 66 years and 6 months. The schedule continues incrementally, with those born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, qualifying at age 67.
The DfT spokesperson emphasised the importance of bus passes, stating: "We fully recognise bus passes are vital to many older people, providing access to essential services and keeping people connected through free local travel." They also noted ongoing reforms: "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."
How to check your eligibility
To find out exactly when you become eligible, the DfT advises using the online tool at Check your State Pension age on GOV.UK, entering your date of birth. The eligibility change is tied to the State Pension age increase, which the Department for Work and Pensions has scheduled as follows: September 6, 1960 – October 5, 1960: 66 years and 6 months; October 6, 1960 – November 5, 1960: 66 years and 7 months; November 6, 1960 – December 5, 1960: 66 years and 8 months; December 6, 1960 – January 5, 1961: 66 years and 9 months; January 6, 1961 – February 5, 1961: 66 years and 10 months; February 6, 1961 – March 5, 1961: 66 years and 11 months; March 6, 1961 – April 5, 1977: 67 years.
Exceptions and regional differences
People who are eligible for a free bus pass due to a disability are not affected by this change. Additionally, the rules differ in London, where individuals can apply for a 60+ Oyster Photocard from the age of 60, allowing travel on buses, trams, and TfL services. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the regulations also differ from the State Pension age, with free local bus passes continuing to be available to all residents aged 60 and over.
