The UK Government has confirmed that local authorities in England “do have the power” to extend the age of eligibility for the older persons’ bus pass in a written response to an online petition which has received more than 18,200 signatures of support from around the country. The Department for Transport explained that concessionary travel is a devolved policy area, which means the eligibility age for the free bus travel scheme differs between Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Petition creator Karen Hickman is calling for the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) to be expanded and follow the Scottish Government’s policy of providing free bus travel to everyone over the age of 60, and not State Pension age. The campaigner argues that the current scheme south of the border is “unjust” and calls for “equality for everyone over 60”.
The ‘extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England’ e-petition highlights how people in England, living outside London, are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach State Pension age – currently 66 for both men and women – which she believes has “changed dramatically.”
In its written response to the petition proposals, the Department for Transport said: “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.
“The ENCTS provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of State Pension age, currently 66. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.”
However, it goes on to add: “Local authorities in England do have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, by extending the age of eligibility for the older persons’ bus pass. These are additional local concessions provided and funded by local authorities from local resources, depending on the needs and priorities of each area.”
The Department also said that Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed a “£1billion boost for buses, of which £712 million has been allocated to local authorities to support and improve bus services” in England.
The response continued: “Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area.
“Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area and as such, the eligibility age for the bus pass differs between the devolved nations of the United Kingdom. This means, in effect, that there are different schemes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the administrative arrangements are entirely separate.”
You can read the full response on the petitions-parliament website here. At 100,000 signatures of support, it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.
National Entitlement Card in Scotland
In Scotland, people over 60 are eligible to apply for the National Entitlement Card (NEC), which is administered by the Scottish Government. It is Scotland’s National Smartcard, offering access to many public services across the country.
The card gives elderly and disabled people free bus travel across Scotland and, through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, also provides reductions on train, Subway and ferry fares.
The NEC is valid for up to three years, but in a change to the renewal process, SPT no longer sends out renewal forms to disabled card holders. This means everyone with a card – sometimes referred to as a ‘Saltire card’ – should check the expiry date to make sure they will be able to enjoy uninterrupted entitlement to travel concessions.
SPT recommends applying for a renewal card at least five weeks before the expiry date. It’s also important to be aware that guidance on the SPT website states that the Concessionary Travel Card Unit at Buchanan Bus Station will be closed for in person applications until further notice.