Overview

• From April next year, eligibility for statutory free off-peak bus travel in England will move in step with the State Pension age increase from 66 to 67.
• The Department for Transport confirmed the change under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, which covers off-peak weekday journeys and all day at weekends and bank holidays.
• Local authorities can still lower the qualifying age through discretionary schemes financed locally, with recent bus funding including £712 million to councils that could support such offers.
• A petition calling for free bus travel from 60 in England has surpassed 100,000 signatures and awaits a Commons debate, putting pressure on Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
• The DWP’s third review of State Pension age is underway, led by Dr Suzy Morrissey, with a call for evidence open until 24 October 2025.