Overview

• The Department for Transport has opened a review of extending free pass use before 9.30 am and offering companion passes under local discretionary schemes.
• An online petition calling for free bus travel from age 60 in England has amassed over 101,200 signatures and awaits a Petitions Committee decision on a Commons debate.
• The UK Government earmarked £955 million for bus services outside London in 2025/26, comprising £243 million for operators and £712 million for local authorities.
• The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme currently provides free off-peak bus travel to eligible disabled passengers and those aged 66 or older at an annual cost of around £700 million.
• Concessionary travel is devolved across the UK, with Scotland offering passes from age 60 while England’s statutory entitlement remains at the state pension age unless altered by councils.