The UK Government has responded to a call for England to align its free bus travel policy for over-60s with that of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The petition, signed by over 10,000 individuals, urged for a reduction in the age threshold for free bus travel in England to 60, in line with the existing schemes in the other UK nations. Currently, individuals over 66 in England are eligible for free off-peak bus travel, although some regions like London and Merseyside already extend this benefit to those aged 60 and over. Concerns have been raised about the estimated £700 million annual cost associated with expanding the scheme nationwide.
Initiated by Karen Hickman, the petition emphasises the disparity faced by over-60s residing in different parts of the UK, calling for equality in access to free bus travel. Activists argue that as people age, they may rely more on public transport and, therefore, advocate for consistency in policies across the country. The Department for Transport acknowledged the importance of the current English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) in supporting local bus travel, especially for individuals with disabilities and those over 66. However, any adjustments to the scheme, such as lowering the age threshold, must consider the financial sustainability of the programme.
During the Budget announcement on 30th October, the government earmarked £712 million for local authorities to enhance bus services, as part of a larger £1 billion investment in the sector. The discretion to offer additional concessions beyond the statutory obligations lies with local authorities in England, resulting in varying eligibility criteria across different regions. While some councils, like Merseytravel, provide free travel for over-60s, others maintain the standard age of 66 due to financial constraints. A separate petition has gathered 16,000 signatures, advocating for broader access to free bus travel for over-60s.
The devolved nature of travel concessions in the UK leads to differing policies regarding the eligibility age for bus passes in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While the petition for free bus travel in England at 60 seeks to address perceived inequalities, the government reiterates the need for a balanced approach considering the financial implications of such changes. Now, with the petition gaining momentum and the potential for parliamentary debate if it reaches 100,000 signatures, the issue of free bus travel for over-60s continues to be a topic of discussion and contention among policymakers and activists alike.