Overview

• The Department for Transport has confirmed that local authorities may use discretionary powers to lower the free bus pass age from 66 to 60.
• Councils must assess the scheme’s financial impact before implementing any age reduction to safeguard the ENCTS, which costs about £700 million annually.
• Under current statutes, England’s free pass age remains tied to the state pension age of 66, with any permanent national change requiring formal government approval.
• Local authorities will receive £955 million in 2025/26—£712 million for councils and £243 million for operators—that can be allocated to extend concessions or boost services.
• An online petition of more than 101,200 signatures has urged parity with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where free bus passes begin at age 60.