The Department for Transport has responded to calls to allow free bus pass holders to use them before 9.30am – and said local authorities have the funding to make the change
The government has issued a statement concerning calls to allow free bus pass holders to use them before 9.30am. Ministers revealed that local authorities have received funding for bus operators – and could use the money to implement this change.
If introduced in this manner, anyone holding a concessionary bus pass, including state pensioners in England, would be able to travel earlier. Concessionary bus passes in England are accessible to qualifying older and disabled individuals and offer free local bus travel within England via the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).
Eligibility for older people is based on reaching the state pension age, whilst disabled individuals are also entitled if they meet the criteria.
However, at present people can only use the passes after the morning rush hour of 9.30am, which has attracted criticism for stopping the disabled and elderly from securing employment and attending early appointments.
In a recent question, Liberal Democrat Josh Babarinde asked the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander: “If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing bus pass use on weekdays before 9:30 am.”
Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport, has verified that councils possess the necessary funding to expand concessionary entitlements should they wish to do so. He declared: “The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age.
“Local authorities in England have the power to use local resources to fund further concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, extending the times travel passes can be used.”
He continued: “The Government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country.
“East Sussex County Council has been allocated £10.4 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish, including enhancing the concessionary travel offering in the local area.”
The Department for Transport has confirmed that from April next year, folks in England will have to wait an extra year to get their free bus pass. Despite a hefty campaign pushing for the same concessionary travel perks as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – where free bus travel kicks in at 60 – in England, free rides are only on offer from 66, in line with the state pension age.
However, local councils, like those in London and Merseyside, can opt to foot the bill themselves. From next year, the waiting time for a free pass in England will stretch by another 12 months.
This shift is in sync with the planned rise in the State Pension age from 66 to 67, due to be fully rolled out across the UK by 2028 for both blokes and women. This tweak to the official retirement age has been on the cards since 2014, with a further jump from 67 to 68 anticipated between 2044 and 2046.
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