The Department for Transport has responded to increasing demands for bus passengers in England to receive equivalent assistance as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A rapidly expanding petition on the parliamentary website has garnered 63,000 signatures demanding reforms.

As it stands, individuals over 60 in Scotland, NI and Wales benefit from complimentary bus travel. In England, however, only certain areas like Merseyside and London offer this perk due to local authorities lacking funds.

The petition, accessible here, with 63,285 supporters 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.”

It further argues: “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.”

Labour’s Markus Campbell-Savours raised an official enquiry in Parliament yesterday, questioning Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander “on the implications of providing free bus passes to the over-60s concerning social inclusion, the economy, and the environment.”

In response, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Transport Simon Lightwood this week cautioned about the possible financial cost of any amendments, yet he signalled optimism due to recent budget allocations to local authorities that could be used to supply free passes for over 60s.

Mr Lightwood replied: “The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six.

“The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of lowering the age on social inclusion, the economy or the environment.”

Emphasising the versatility within local governance, he added: “Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations such as lowering the age of eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources.

“The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. 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 local areas to support the local economy and environment.”