Currently, such provision only exists in England where local authorities have opted to fund it, meaning merely a select few with sufficient resources can provide it, including areas like Merseyside and London. The petition exceeded the 100,000 signature benchmark several months ago, prompting a mandatory Parliamentary discussion.

This forces the Government to clarify its position and defend its existing policy, thus heightening demands for change. The discussion will commence today at 4.30pm in Westminster Hall (Jan 5) and can be watched here.

The petition, available here, 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.”

“At present, individuals residing in England outside of London are not eligible for complimentary bus travel until they reach the state pension age, a threshold we believe has significantly shifted. As people advance in years, some over 60s gradually reduce their driving, hence our call for equality in public transport provisions. This would align England with the existing arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

After the petition secured 10,000 signatures, the Department for Transport released a statement recognising that such changes would require considerable financial commitment. The department declared: “The government is committed to ensuring everyone has access to public transport and is dedicated to enhancing services. We also recognise the crucial role of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) in supporting local bus travel, facilitating access to vital local services and aiding those who utilise it to remain active and avoid isolation.”

‘For the latest money saving tips, shopping and consumer news, visit the new Everything Money website’. “The ENCTS provides free off-peak bus travel to those with qualifying disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS incurs an annual cost of around £700 million and any alterations to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be meticulously assessed for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.”

The department further explained that funds have been distributed to local authorities, allowing them to make changes to concessionary travel schemes at a regional level, if the council considers this a priority area. The DfT stated: “Local authorities in England do have the power to offer concessions beyond their statutory obligations, for example, by extending the age of eligibility for the older persons’ bus pass. These are additional local concessions provided and funded by local authorities from local resources, depending on the needs and priorities of each area.

“At the Budget on 30 October [2024], the government confirmed a £1 billion boost for buses, of which £712 million has been allocated to local authorities to support and improve bus services. Funding allocated to local authorities to enhance services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area.”

Concerning the inequality where residents of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland receive passes whilst those in England do not, the DfT clarified: “Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area and as such, the eligibility age for the bus pass differs between the devolved nations of the United Kingdom. This means, in effect, that there are different schemes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the administrative arrangements are entirely separate.”

The Department for Transport has verified that from April, English residents must wait an extra year before claiming their complimentary bus pass.

Despite substantial campaigning for equivalent concessionary travel entitlements to those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – where complimentary bus travel begins at 60 – England restricts free travel to those aged 66 and above, aligned with the state pension age.

Unless local councils, such as those in London and Merseyside, opt to finance the provision independently, from next year, the waiting period for a complimentary pass in England will extend by a further 12 months.

This modification aligns with the proposed rise in the State Pension age from 66 to 67, scheduled to be completely rolled out across the UK by 2028 for both men and women.

This adjustment to the official retirement age has been planned since 2014, with a subsequent increase from 67 to 68 anticipated between 2044 and 2046. To view the petition and the government response, click here.

To watch the debate later click here.