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A significant milestone has been reached in the campaign urging the government to reduce the eligibility age for pensioners to receive a free bus pass to 60. This morning, the online parliamentary petition surpassed the pivotal threshold of 10,000 signatures, obliging the Department for Transport to issue a formal response disclosing whether it will consider taking action.
There’s a growing chorus demanding that the concessionary travel age be lowered to assist the elderly with their mobility needs. Karen Hickman, the initiator of the petition, highlighted the disparities within the UK, stating, “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.”
The petition elaborates, “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.”
The UK Government is on the hook to address any petitions that surge past the 10,000-signature mark and to potentially debate those breaching the 100,000 threshold in Parliament. Currently, in England, individuals qualify for an older person’s bus pass at the State Pension age of 66, regardless of gender.
However, Londoners aged 60 and over enjoy complimentary travel across a variety of transport with the 60+ London Oyster photocard. Across Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, eligibility for a bus pass commences at 60, reports Lancs Live.
Calls for revisiting the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) have emerged from MPs, urging the UK Government to extend free bus travel to all individuals over 60, inclusive of peak times. Liberal Democrat Will Forster has appealed to the Department for Transport to broaden the ENCTS benefits.
In his statement, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood acknowledged that while the ENCTS provides essential off-peak bus fare exemptions, local authorities retain the freedom to bestow further discretionary concessions. Addressing the financial aspect, Mr Lightwood remarked: “The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and, while the Department keeps the scheme under review, any changes to the statutory obligations, such as extending the eligibility criteria, would need to be carefully considered for their impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.”
While some councils in England offer free travel for those over 60, this is not a universal benefit. Merseytravel provides free travel on all buses, trains and Mersey Ferries river crossings for residents of Merseyside aged 60 or over.
However, most local authorities, currently facing significant financial strain, only offer the statutory pass at 66. To view and sign the petition, click here.
