A petition calling for free bus travel for everyone aged 60 and over in England has gained significant support, reaching over 16,000 signatures. The UK Government has responded, highlighting financial challenges and existing schemes, while the petition continues to gather momentum towards a potential Parliamentary debate.
What Is the Petition About?
The petition, started by Karen Hickman, demands that free bus travel be extended to all people aged 60 and above in England, outside of London. Currently, the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel only to those aged 66 and above.
Hickman argues that this is unfair compared to other parts of the UK like Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, where free bus travel is available from the age of 60.
Government’s Response to the Petition
The Department for Transport (DfT) responded by pointing out the high cost of the current scheme, which is around £700 million annually. They stressed that any changes to the age limit would have to be carefully considered to ensure financial sustainability.
The DfT acknowledged that some local councils, such as those in London and Merseyside, already offer free travel to those aged 60 and above, but expanding this nationwide would be costly.
Why Campaigners Want Change
Supporters of the petition believe that public transport concessions should be equal across the UK. Many argue that as people age, especially those over 60, they often drive less and rely more on public transport.
One campaigner said, “People in England who don’t live in London have to wait until 66 for free travel, while those in other UK regions get it at 60. This needs to change.”
Current Concessionary Travel Scheme Explained
The ENCTS offers free off-peak bus travel to people with eligible disabilities and those who have reached the state pension age of 66. While some local councils can provide extra concessions, such as lowering the eligibility age, these are funded by local resources based on each area’s needs and budget.
Financial Concerns and Local Authority Powers
The DfT highlighted that the government recently allocated £1 billion to improve bus services, with £712 million going directly to local authorities. Councils can use this funding as they see fit, including offering more concessions for bus travel.
However, most local authorities, already facing financial pressure, stick to the statutory pass at 66. Only a few, like Merseytravel, offer free travel for over-60s.
What Happens Next?
The petition has reached 16,000 signatures. If it hits 100,000, it could be debated in Parliament, potentially bringing changes to the bus travel age threshold across England.
This petition highlights the ongoing debate about equality in public transport benefits across the UK. While financial challenges remain, campaigners continue to push for fair access to free travel for everyone aged 60 and above, regardless of where they live.
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FAQ
What is the petition for free bus travel at 60 about?
The petition calls for free bus travel for everyone aged 60 and above in England, similar to other parts of the UK.
What is the current age for free bus travel in England?
In most parts of England, free bus travel is available from age 66 under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
Why has the Government responded to the petition?
The petition reached over 10,000 signatures, which requires a formal response from the Government.
Which areas in England offer free bus travel from 60?
London and Merseyside offer free bus travel for those aged 60 and above through local authority concessions.
What happens if the petition reaches 100,000 signatures?
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it could be debated in Parliament.
I think bus passes should be available for everyone 60 and other as well as for dissabled people as things are hard enough with everything keeps going up
Totally agree with you Miriam Clyne