Concessionary pass pledge gains backing

People are signing a petition to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London.

According to the petition’s creator, Karen Hickman, the current system is unjust. The campaign pledges to secure ‘equality for everyone over 60’.

Currently, people in England (but not London), only receive free bus travel once they reach state pension age, which is 66 but due to rise to 67 from 2026. Changing the age limit for free travel to over 60 years old would put the policy in line with Scotland’s, Wales’ and Northern Ireland’s provision for free bus use.

The petition’s webpage said: “As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport.”

The petition had over 10,500 signatures as this piece is published. It has a deadline of 27 June 2025 to reach 100,000, at which point it can be considered for debate in Parliament.

The petition is posted on the petitions-parliament webpage.