Government Issues Statement on Free Bus Passes for Disabled and Over 60s in England

The UK government has responded to increasing calls for an expansion of concessionary bus travel in England, particularly in relation to disabled individuals and people aged over 60. Currently, free bus travel is available to those aged 66 and above in England, but campaigners have been urging for a reduction in the eligible age to align with the more generous concessionary schemes in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, where free bus travel is available for those over 60. The issue gained further momentum with a petition calling for the age threshold to be lowered, which has gained traction on the Parliament website. The debate around the eligibility for free bus travel has also extended to include disabled bus pass holders, with many calling for unrestricted, anytime travel for those with disabilities.

The government has addressed the growing concern, with Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper questioning the Secretary of State for Transport on the potential merits of expanding the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) to provide free, anytime bus travel for all disabled pass holders. In his response, Simon Lightwood, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Department for Transport, acknowledged the request but highlighted the financial implications of such an expansion. He explained that the ENCTS currently provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and state pensioners, costing the government approximately £700 million annually. Lightwood noted that any changes to the existing scheme, such as offering full-day travel, would need to be thoroughly assessed for their financial impact to ensure the scheme’s long-term sustainability.

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