The national entitlement scheme operates UK-wide but there are different eligibility age rules under devolved governments.
Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible?
Labour MP Markus Campbell-Savours has urged the UK Government to consider the “potential impact of introducing free bus passes for people aged 60 and over on social inclusion, the economy and the environment.
The written question from the Penrith and Solway MP is similar to a proposal put forward in an online petition calling for the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) to be expanded and follow the Scottish Government’s lead by providing free bus travel to everyone over the age of 60.
There are two broad categories of people eligible for the ENCTS – older people and eligible disabled people. Both men and women are eligible for concessionary travel in England when they reach State Pension age (66), but it’s 60 in Scotland.
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In a written response on Tuesday, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, explained how the ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and “any changes to the statutory obligations would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability”.
He continued: “ No assessment has been made of the potential impact of lowering the age on social inclusion, the economy or the environment.”
However, he added that local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, which includes lowering the age of eligibility.
He explained that “additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources”.
Mr Lightwood added: “Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in local areas to support the local economy and environment.”
Online petition
Tens of thousands of people have signed an online petition calling for the ENCTS to be expanded and provide free bus travel to everyone over the age of 60. As already mentioned, this would match the Scottish Government’s policy.
Petition creator Karen Hickman argues that the current scheme is “unjust” and calls for “equality for everyone over 60”. The campaigner explained that people in England, living outside London, are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach State Pension age – 66 for both men and women – which she believes has “changed dramatically.”
More than 63,270 people have signed the ‘extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England’ e-petition, which has been posted on the petitions-parliament website.
The UK Government rejected the proposals in a written statement on February 12, however, if the petition reaches 100,000 signatures it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.
You can read the response, which is similar to the one given by the Transport Minister, here.
National Entitlement Card in Scotland
In Scotland, people over 60 are eligible to apply for the National Entitlement Card (NEC), which is administered by the Scottish Government. It is Scotland’s National Smartcard, offering access to many public services across the country.
The card gives elderly and disabled people free bus travel across Scotland and, through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, also provides reductions on train, Subway and ferry fares.
The NEC is valid for up to three years, but in a change to the renewal process, SPT no longer sends out renewal forms to disabled card holders. This means everyone with a card – sometimes referred to as a ‘Saltire card’ – should check the expiry date to make sure they will be able to enjoy uninterrupted entitlement to travel concessions.
SPT recommends applying for a renewal card at least five weeks before the expiry date. It’s also important to be aware that guidance on the SPT website states that the Concessionary Travel Card Unit at Buchanan Bus Station will be closed for in person applications until further notice.
