Free bus pass for all over 60s update following petition

At the moment, passengers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, London and Merseyside already have free travel. A petition calling for this to be extended nationwide now has more than 100,000 signatures.

The petition says: "We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60. 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."

Should everyone over 60 get free bus travel? A 100k+ signature petition says yes. Currently, eligibility varies across the UK. In a new blog, CPT’s Rebecka Steven breaks down how concessionary fares work, who pays, and why funding matters.https://t.co/yKVz8ZQtBd

— Confederation of Passenger Transport (@CPT_UK) July 21, 2025

The petition has 101,204 signatures. Once a petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the Government responds, and if 100,000 people sign, a date for the issue to be debated by MPs may be scheduled.

This petition has been waiting 28 days for a debate date, but an initial response from the government said: "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme costs around £700 million annually.

"Any changes to the statutory scheme must be carefully considered for their impact on its financial sustainability.

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"The government wants everyone to have access to public transport and is committed to improving services. We also recognise the importance of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) in supporting local bus travel, assisting with access to essential local services and helping those who use it to stay active and avoid isolation."

Following a question from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton, who followed up the calls, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood responded in writing: "Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility.

"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."