Millions of state pensioners and disabled people across England have received a significant update regarding the rules for free bus travel. The government has confirmed that local authorities now have the power to allow concessionary bus passes to be used before the current 9:30 am restriction.
Funding for Flexible Travel
In a parliamentary question, Liberal Democrat Josh Babarinde asked the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, to assess the merits of allowing bus pass use on weekdays before the morning peak time. Responding for the government, Simon Lightwood, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport, provided a major clarification.
He stated that local councils in England have been allocated funding which they can use to enhance the standard concessionary travel scheme. This means councils could choose to subsidise bus operators, enabling pass holders to travel for free during the early morning.
Impact on Employment and Appointments
The current 9:30 am start time for free travel has long been a point of contention. Critics argue that it creates a barrier for elderly and disabled individuals who need to travel early for work, medical appointments, or other commitments.
This new funding flexibility, part of over £1 billion allocated to support and improve bus services in England outside London for the 2025/26 financial year, directly addresses these concerns. Of this total, £712 million is allocated to local authorities and £243 million is for bus operators.
Mr Lightwood emphasised: "Local authorities in England have the power to use local resources to fund further concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, extending the times travel passes can be used."
Future Changes to Eligibility Age
Alongside this potential morning travel expansion, the Department for Transport has confirmed a separate change to the eligibility age. From April next year, individuals in England will have to wait an additional year to receive their free bus pass.
This change aligns with the planned increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67, which is set to be fully implemented across the UK by 2028. This means free travel in England will only be granted from the age of 67, unlike in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland where it is available from age 60.
However, the government noted that some local authorities, such as those in London and Merseyside, already choose to fund more generous provisions themselves. The ball is now in the court of local councils to decide if they will use their allocated funding, like the £10.4 million given to East Sussex County Council, to give early morning travel a green light.
