The State Pension age increase is being phased in, so the older groups may only have to wait one month after their 66th birthday to claim their pension and free bus pass.

The State Pension age is set to rise again to 68 for most people between 2044 and 2046, although this could be brought forward under the current Pensions Review, meaning even longer waits.

For workers who had been expecting a free bus pass at 60, this signals a seven year delay. England moved away from the old system where free bus passes were granted at 60 in 2010.

Since then, eligibility has been aligned to the State Pension age as part of efforts to manage public spending on pensions and concessions with lifespans increasing.

Charities and campaigners argued the change could cause older people to become isolated, and add strain to existing financial pressures.

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,” reports Secret London.

Some people may still be eligible for free or discounted travel earlier through disability and mobility schemes, and jobseeker or low-income concessions.